Office of Student Aid : Applying for Student Aid 2007-08 : 2007-08 FAFSA Tips : General Tips and Instructions

Using the Correct Federal Income Tax Return Filing Status:
In general, you are eligible to file a 1040A or 1040EZ if you:

• Make less than $100,000
• Do not itemize deductions
• Do not receive income from your own business or farm, and
• Do not receive alimony.

You are not eligible to file a 1040A or 1040EZ form if you:

• Itemize deductions
• Receive self-employment income or alimony, or
• Are required to file a Schedule D for capital gains.

If you filed a 1040 only to claim Hope or Lifetime credits and you would have otherwise been eligible to file a 1040A or 1040EZ, you should answer "Yes" to "Were you eligible to file a 1040A or 1040EZ?"

For most taxpayers, the filing status is determined on the last day of the tax year. When an incorrect filing status is identified by the Office of Student Aid during a verification review, the process of awarding student aid will stop until an amended tax return is filed.