Application Errors
What follows is a list of the most common general errors that families make when completing the FAFSA form.
- Didn't reapply - must apply each academic year prior to April 15.
- Signatures missing- student and parent must sign with PINs or submit signature page.
- Date of birth, Social Security number wrong or did not use legal name - must correct. Missing income or asset information - This information must be provided annually even on renewal applications. If the answer is zero, write zero.
- Taxes paid same figure as AGI - AGI and taxes paid should not be the same. Follow FAFSA instructions as to which line to get taxes paid and AGI from.
- Didn't include step-parent's income - If custodial parent is remarried step-parent's income must be reported even if they choose not to help the student pay for college.
What follows is a list of the most common errors that families make when completing the Express TAP Application (ETA):
- Tried completing TAP on the Web before a valid FAFSA submitted.
- Wrong school listed - institution should be SUC Buffalo 0905.
- Required signatures missing - signatures of student, parents and spouses are required.
- Didn't include parental income - must meet age requirement to exclude parental income.
- Date of birth or Social Security number wrong - must be corrected.
What follows is a list of the most common errors that students make when completing the Aid for Part-time Study Application:
- Used wrong income number or left income blank - must use NY State Net Taxable Income, not Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).
- Required signatures missing - signatures of student, parents and spouses are required.
- Independent students don't indicate that they have dependents - must check the box