New Jersey HESAA/TAG grant IRS woes

Colleges and Universities A-Z Rutgers University
1

<p>Hey all,</p>

<p>I'm coming up on my fourth year at Rutgers. I've been fortunate enough to have gotten the NJTAG grant to help me out with my tuition bill these past three years, and I'm eligible for it this year as well. Unfortunately, the HESAA mailed me a few months ago asking for some documentation that I haven't been able to acquire.</p>

<p>They want a Verification of Non-filing letter for my mom, since she does not work and is listed on my dad's transcript as a dependent. However every time I attempt to access this from the IRS website I receive a "technical difficulties" error (reference #122). This even goes for previous years, so I'm wondering if there's something wrong with the way my mom is entered into their records or something. Attempting to acquire it by mail, either over their automated phone line or through the option provided on their website, also provides "unable to complete your request" apologies.</p>

<p>My dad and I have no idea what to do. We sent out a print request for the form a few weeks ago, but have yet to hear anything from them. We've called the HESAA several times, but always receive conflicting information as to whether or not this letter is necessary - there's another form on there that's actually accessible, a Wage and Income transcript which has both my mom's SSN and the line "Did not file." Some HESAA representatives say that should be adequate, others say they have to have the nonfiling letter specifically.</p>

<p>It's mostly got me annoyed because the request for documentation letter had one of those mean "if the documents in your next letter aren't adequate, we will close your application no money 4 u hahaha." Which is absurd, as this is clearly an issue on the IRS' part - and one which has never been applicable until this past year when they've decided to request different information of an applicant who's clearly had no issue supplying it these past 3 years and isn't out to commit fraud/scam them in any way.</p>

<p>Has anybody had a similar experience? Your thoughts would be much appreciated.</p>

2

<p>I don’t understand how your mother is listed as a dependent on your father’s tax return. Are they not married? That is an unusual situation, IMO. Your mother may have to go to the local IRS office with the request for the Verification of Non filing letter, and get something in person from them. </p>

3

<p>This isn’t an issue that you can sit back on and blame someone else. Take action as soon as possible. Contact your local IRS office like the above poster said, or contact RU Financial Aid office and HESSA again to really confirm your situation. Just don’t sit around and risk losing your money.</p>