School is requiring a 2024 Tax Return Transcript, but the IRS hasn't processed my return yet. What am I supposed to do?
I'm hoping someone has dealt with this before.
For financial aid, my school is requiring either a 2024 IRS Tax Return Transcript or a copy of my 2024 Form 1040 stamped by the IRS as proof of receipt.
I filed my 2024 federal tax return and mailed it to the IRS in early April. I have proof that it was mailed and received by the IRS. I also have a copy of my signed 1040. The problem is that the IRS still hasn't processed my return, so there is no Tax Return Transcript available yet.
I contacted the IRS and was told that processing delays could mean my return won't be processed before the semester starts.
I explained this to my school's financial aid office and provided documentation showing that I filed my return, but they responded that they specifically require either the Tax Return Transcript or an IRS-stamped copy of the 1040.
I was claimed as a dependent in 2024, but I still had to file my own tax return because my income was over the filing threshold. I completed everything I was required to do, and now I'm worried that IRS processing delays that are completely outside of my control could affect my financial aid and ability to attend school.
Has anyone been in a similar situation? Were you able to get an IRS-stamped copy after mailing a return? Did your school offer any alternative documentation, extension, or appeal process?
Any advice would be appreciated because I'm running out of options and don't know what else I'm supposed to do.
One thing that makes this especially stressful is that I genuinely didn't think I needed to file a federal return because I was still being claimed as a dependent by my parents and didn't earn very much money in 2024.
As soon as I learned that I needed to file, I completed my return and mailed it to the IRS. I'm not trying to avoid the requirement—I already filed. The problem is that the IRS hasn't processed it yet, and now I'm worried that a delay I can't control could affect my financial aid and my ability to finish my final year of college.