| PublicationDate: 3/21/96 Summary: 1996-97 FAFSA Processing - Announcement #15 Author: ODAS - Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary - SFA Announcement # 15 -- March 21, 1996 1996-97 FAFSA Processing Status Report In keeping with our commitment to keep you informed about the status of application processing for the 1996-97 award year, we are providing this daily announcement. This announcement is number 15 in the series. A. IRS Form 1040T The Department has received several requests to provide clarification regarding the 1040T tax form. The 1040T is a new 1995 tax return currently being distributed in a few southwestern states and is not the same as a 1040TEL form. The 1040T is a machine-readable form that contains several lines on it from the various tax schedules and therefore allows filers to report itemized deductions directly on the form rather than completing a separate Schedule A, for example. The Department has determined that the form should be treated as a 1040. Students and parents who filed the 1040T should check the box for the 1040 (not the 1040A or EZ, unless of course they were eligible to file the 1040A or EZ and simply chose to file the 1040T instead). The 1040T form is acceptable as verification documentation. Please note that 1040T filers are not eligible for the simplified needs test. B. Change in Direct Loan Student Status Confirmation Report (SSCR) Procedures for Spring 1996 The specifications for SSCR procedures have been changed since the draft 'Direct Loan Technical Reference for 1995-96,' dated January 1995. Pages regarding the SSCR process have been pulled from this manual. Instead, schools should follow the procedures outlined in the NSLDS SSCR User's Guide dated January 8, 1996. If you have questions regarding the NSLDS SSCR process, you may contact the NSLDS Customer Service Center at 1-800-999-8219. Questions regarding EDExpress software should be directed to EDExpress Technical Assistance at 1-800-533-2159 or Direct Loans Technical Assistance at 1-800-756-4220. Thank you for your continued support. |