Laws & Guidance HIGHER EDUCATION
Key Policy Letters Signed by the Education Secretary or Deputy Secretary
March 26, 2002
Archived Information


Honorable Tammy Baldwin
House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Congresswoman Baldwin:

Thank you for your letter expressing your appreciation for our quick response to your concern about the late delivery of the 2002-03 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Prior to the release of the FAFSA, we consult with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) because the tax form line items are incorporated by reference on the FAFSA. We understood from the IRS that these might change. Because correct tax line references are necessary for parents and students to accurately complete the FAFSA, we decided to delay printing the FAFSA until the IRS had locked in the tax forms. In late October, we learned that the IRS was proceeding with printing their tax forms, and we immediately moved forward with the printing of the FAFSA.

We apologize for any inconvenience this unanticipated delay in printing and shipping FAFSAs may have caused students this year. We will make every effort to prevent future delays in distributing the FAFSA. However, should a delay occur, we will make information about the revised timetable more quickly and readily available.

Lastly, please know that we share your concern about the availability of the paper FAFSA to students who do not have electronic access. We will continue to work internally and with our partners in the academic community to address this concern.

If we may assist you further, please contact our Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs at 202-401-0020.

Sincerely,

/s/

Rod Paige


 
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Last Modified: 09/15/2004