Do We Need To Update a Student's Marital Status Reported On the FAFSA If It Does Not Match Her Tax Filing Status?

No, not unless there is actual conflicting information in the student's file. It is not uncommon for a student's marital status to be different between the tax return and the FAFSA. Remember, the tax return is filed for the tax year that can be up to two years before the FAFSA is filed (i.e., the prior-prior-year tax data). For example, a student was married and filed a joint tax return with her spouse, but was separated when she completed the FAFSA. In such a case, the separated status on the FAFSA is correct and is not corrected or updated based on the tax return from almost two years ago.

Note that comment codes have changed starting with the 2024-25 award year, and Comment Codes 361 to 368 related to marital status and tax filing status have been discontinued. They weren't previously considered to be conflicting information subject to the resolution requirements of 34 CFR 668.16(f) anyway.

Student Aid Reference Desk: For additional information, try the Student Aid Reference Desk. It is a central hub of all the important financial aid resources you need with direct links to legislation, regulation, Dear Colleague Letters, and other ED and NASFAA references. It is updated on a rolling basis with the latest news and changes.