Odd Fafsa Problem?

[Zak]

My fafsa was selected for review so I had to bring in copies of my mother & stepfather's tax return for 06. Everything was fine, but I made the mistake of asking if any income could be pro-rated because they had divorced in july of 06. They flipped out and said that wasn't legal and then refused to accept the papers. They want my parents to file separate before they will review my application.-I am upset because even if they are right thats not their job. They are suppose to help me with "financial aid" not collect for the IRS. And filing separately would only help my income anyways. -I called fafsa and they said since at the time I applied my parents were in fact married it was not a problem. The school should simply just look at my mothers income and ignore the step father.questions:-Was it wrong for my mother to file jointly? She had taxes done with an agency. They told her since she was married over half the year it was ok.-Is my school right not to accept the returns?I did call the school back to update them. Unfortunately, they said the person in charge was busy and would call me back. (never happened)The problem I see is I can't find any evidence to support that 6 month loop hole. In fact I can only find dec. 31st is the important day.But fafsa's stance was this isn't their expertise. The school should just look at my parent incomes. The only decision they should have is to exclude my step fathers income. Even with his income I have an EFC of 0. So that decision doesn't matter to me.

[elyce]

Call the school back...tell them that you spoke to FAFSA and you were legal and tell them the points --- your parents were married over half of the year. If they don't listen, ask them write you an email stating that so you can communicate with FAFSA immediately to get this all straightened out.Chances are you spoke with someone who a) reacted before finding out the details b) didn't know that there was a loop hole with being married more than half of the year****I hope they get this all straigthened out on Monday. Perhaps their something on the IRS website about the divorce and filing thing. Glad to hear that your EFC is zero. Best wishes this semester...