Common Errors Made on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Making a mistake on the FAFSA can delay the processing of the application by up to three weeks. Historically, one in seven FAFSA forms are returned due to errors. 

• The most common mistake students make is leaving a field blank. If the answer is zero or the question does not apply, students should write in a zero.
• Students must use the Federal tax return for income reporting and reporting taxes paid. Many parents and students mistakenly use their W-2 form or State return. *Do not  forget to report all the required sources of untaxed income. Review their/spouse and their parents' W-2 Box 13 for sources of untaxed income such as contributions to retirement programs and other pretax income.
  
  Students must also:
• Report correct marital status. If you file as a married student, you must be married on or before the date that they sign the FAFSA.
• Make sure to include stepparents' information, if the custodial parent is remarried if applicable. 
• Include yourself in the household size even if they didn't live there during the previous year.
• Remember to sign the application. If you are a dependent student, both the student and the parents must sign. (If students file electronically, they must make sure they use their PIN numbers or return the certification page.)

As with all forms and applications, students must make sure they read all instruction and questions carefully. Students who are uncertain about a question or are having trouble filling out the FAFSA, should contact the Ottawa University Department of Financial Aid at oufinaid@ottawa.edu.