<p>You may want to ask to speak with a manager & find out why they are not allowing you to claim that you are separated. Each school has its own policies regarding what is acceptable documentation to prove that the couple is separated … ask if you are missing something they need for proof. If not, ask why they are not allowing you to be considered separated.</p>
<p>If they (ctolly) are filing taxes as “married filing jointly” then how can they also get the benefit of claiming they are separated? It seems like they are trying to have their cake and eat it too?</p>
<p>IRS rules allow them to file with that status for tax purposes. FAFSA rules are different. It’s not unethical to follow the guidelines set forth in order to obtain the best possible result!</p>
<p>Exactly. We just had a situation like this today - the tax preparer advised them to file jointly as it was beneficial for them. It’s legal, so why not? As far as federal financial aid regs go, it also doesn’t matter who claims the student on their taxes. So dad might get the break but the kid uses mom’s (lower) income for financial aid. If the kid lives with mom most, then it’s fine.</p>
<p>I have been told many times by both finaid people and FAFSA people, that the tax return options do not necessarily have to match the FAFSA choices.</p>