Do I NEED to file married jointly in California if I want to be eligible for Federal Aid?

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Okay..here's the scenario. I'm married and for the past 2 years, I have filed my taxes as Married Separately. I'm also in Grad school and getting a federal loan. So every semester, I need to apply online for federal loans (using FAFSA).

FAFSA allows me to apply even though I filed my taxes married separtely, just so long as I include my spouses income information as well (which I do).

Here's the issue: The financial aid officer at my school said "it is illegal" to file your taxes as separate if you're married and "I need to file jointly".

Correct me if I'm wrong, it isn't illegal to file separately, and she isn't a licensed tax preparer, so isn't her statements not only illegal but unethical?

I contacted FAFSA and they said I should file an appeal immediately, but what about what the financial aid officer, should I form a complaint? To who? Thanks for the feedback..

Do I NEED to file married jointly in California if I want to be eligible for Federal Aid?

I think that this is the result of a miscommunication.

It is not illegal for you to file "married filing separately" if you are legally married. It is, however, illegal for you to file as "single" if you are married.

I think what happened is somehow your FA officer thought you were filing as "single." I'd clarify this before moving forward because a lot of times people say they are "married filing singly," which doesn't exist.

Then, if you have a complaint, I'd go to the Director of Financial Aid first.

In terms of an appeal for your FAFSA, if you provided your spouse's information accurately, nothing should change.

Good luck!

Do I NEED to file married jointly in California if I want to be eligible for Federal Aid?

No that is NOT true, you can file seperately. I would complain. They need to stop givig people the wrong information! Complain to the persons supervisor so they can better inform them!

Do I NEED to file married jointly in California if I want to be eligible for Federal Aid?

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