2026/27 Crossover Conflicting Information

2026/27 Crossover Conflicting Information

SF Learning Team - 2026

START

Index

MS vs TFS Conflict

04

High School Conflict

01

Personal Information Conflict

02

MEFI vs FTI Conflict

05

Resources

06

Family Size Conflict

03

Common Crossover Conflicts

1. High School Completion
2. Personal Information
3. Family Size
4. Marital Status vs Tax Filing Status
5. Manually Entered Financial Information vs FTI

High School Conflict

Non-Crossover Period

During Crossover

A high school conflict exists when the name, city, state or type of credential information the student listed on the ISIR does not match what is listed on the Enrollment Packet or POG on file.

A crossover high school conflict exists when the name, city, state or type of credential information the student listed on one Award Year's ISIR does not match what is listed on another Award Year's ISIR.

This generally results in confirming what is accurate with the student and making corrections to reflect the correct information.

HS/POG Pop Quiz

ISIR

EP

1. Is this conflicting? If so, what is the next step?

Question 1

POG

2. HS POG received, which document is incorrect?

Question 2

3. You submitted for ISIR corrections. Do we need to wait for the ISIR to be on file to package?

Yes!

Question 3

HS/POG Pop Quiz

EP

26/27 ISIR

25/26 ISIR

1. Is this conflicting? If so, what is the next step?

Question 1

2. HS POG received, which document is incorrect?

POG

Question 2

3. Are ISIR corrections necessary? What are the next steps?

Yes, ISIR corrections are necessary for the conflicting ISIR. In this case the 26/27 ISIR.

HS/POG Pop Quiz

EP

25/26 ISIR

26/27 ISIR

1. Is this conflicting? If so, what is the next step?

No conflict, proceed as normal!

HS/POG Pop Quiz

EP

26\27 ISIR

25\26 ISIR

1. Is this conflicting? If so, what is the next step?

Question 1

POG

2. HS POG received, which document is incorrect?

Question 2

HS/POG Pop Quiz

Yes, ISIR corrections are necessary for the 26/27 ISIR. We would need to submit the task and wait for it to come back to package.

3. Are ISIR corrections necessary? What are the next steps?

Crossover High School Conflicts

• Completion Type: None of the Above

26/27

25/26

• Completion Type: GED

• City/State:

Trenton, NJ

Question

What to do?

Send an HSPOG to confirm which is correct. Once determined, ISIR Corrections are required to the incorrect ISIR.

Personal Information Conflict

Non-Crossover Period

During Crossover

A personal information conflict exists when a student's name or date of birth does not match between their ISIR and what is listed on iDash/Web Client student master.

A crossover personal information conflict exists when a student's name or date of birth does not match from one Award Year's ISIR to another Award Year's ISIR.

Support Tip

PII Pop Quiz

26/27 ISIR

25/26 ISIR

Student Master

1. Is this conflicting? If so, what is the next step?

Question 1

2. Call the student and have them upload their signed SSC

3. This SSC is uploaded, what is the next step?

Sample SSC

PII Pop Quiz

26/27 ISIR

25/26 ISIR

Student Master

4. Compare the SSC to the info we have on file and determine which is incorrect.

Sample SSC

5. For this example, which is incorrect? What is the next step?

Question

Answer: FAFSA Corrections are required by the student. If the name is incorrect on the FSA ID: Student will need to update their FSA ID first, wait for verification, and then correct their FAFSA.

PII Pop Quiz

26/27 ISIR

25/26 ISIR

Student Master

Same scenario but... the ISIR is correct. What are the steps?

Answer: Submit a service ticket in the service center to have the information updated on the Student Master.

Sample SSC

PII Pop Quiz

iDash

26/27 ISIR

25/26 ISIR

1. Is this conflicting? If so, what is the next step?

Question 1

Sample ID

2. Call the student and have them upload a copy of a government issued ID

3. The ID is uploaded, what is the next step?

PII Pop Quiz

25/26 ISIR

26/27 ISIR

iDash

4. Compare the ID to the info we have on file and determine which is incorrect.

Sample ID

5. For this example, which is incorrect? What is the next step?

Question

Answer: FAFSA Corrections are required by the student. If the name is incorrect on the FSA ID: Student will need to update their FSA ID first, wait for verification, and then correct their FAFSA.

PII Pop Quiz

25/26 ISIR

26/27 ISIR

iDash

Same scenario but... the ISIR is correct. What are the steps?

Sample ID

Answer: Submit a service ticket in the service center to have the information updated on the Student Master.

Family Size Conflict

Non-Crossover Period

During Crossover

A Family Size conflict occurs when a student's or parent's exemptions listed under their FTI and/or Marital Status does not align with their SAI Formula or Computation and/or if the exemptions and Family Size don't make sense.

A crossover Family Size conflict occurs when a student's or parent's exemptions listed under their FTI and/or Marital Status does not align between one Award Year's ISIR and another Award Year's ISIR.

Support Tip

Family Size Pop Quiz

1. Did the student use the DDX?

Yes

2. How many exemptions are there?

None Listed

3. What is the assumed Family Size?

2/2

4. Does the assumed Family Size conflict with their SAI Formula?

Yes!

5. What is the next step?

Question

Call the student to confirm and send a student statement to be completed.

Family Size Pop Quiz

1. Did the student use the DDX?

Yes

2. How many exemptions are there?

3. What is the assumed Family Size?

7/1

4. Was it updated? If yes, to what?

Yes, to 5.

5. Does the assumed Family Size conflict with their SAI Formula?

No!

6. What is the next step?

No action needed.

Crossover Family Size Conflicts

26/27

• Marital Status: Single
• Child/Dep: Blank

• IRS Response: Successful Transfer
• Exemptions: 3

• SAI Formula: Indep with Deps

• Max Pell Indicator: Single parent

25/26

• Marital Status: Single
• Child/Dep: Blank

• IRS Response: Successful Transfer
• Exemptions: 4

• SAI Formula: Indep with Deps

• Max Pell Indicator: Single parent

What to do?

Nothing, there is no conflict. The DDX was successful and it pulled the most accurate information, so we do not need to confirm.

Marital Status vs Tax Filing Status Conflict

Non-Crossover Period

During Crossover

Marital Status vs. Tax Filing Status conflict occurs when a student's or parent's marital status does not align with how they filed for the year provided on the FAFSA form.

A crossover Marital Status vs. Tax Filing Status conflict occurs when the two statuses conflict between one Award Year's ISIR and another Award Year's ISIR.

Support Tip

Marital Statuses

Tax Filing Statuses

• SINGLE filer status is for unmarried people who do not qualify for another filing status.
• QUALIFIED WIDOW(ER) status allows a surviving spouse to use the married filing jointly tax rates on an individual return.
• MARRIED FILING JOINTLY status is for married couples, allowing them to file their income together on a joint tax return.
• MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY status is for married couples, who choose to record their respective incomes, exemptions, and deductions on separate tax returns.
• HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD status is for unmarried taxpayers who support and house a qualifying person.

• Single (never married)
• Married (not separated)
• Remarried
• Divorced
• Separated
• Widowed
• For Dependent Student’s Parents:
• Unmarried and both parents living together

MS vs TFS Pop Quiz

What should you do next?

Marital Status

Send a student statement to confirm the student's marital date.

Married (Not Separated)

Question

Tax Filing Status

Student confirms married before the tax year, is that okay?

Head of Household

Nope!

Additional Info

The student was NOT eligible to file HOH if they were married as of 12/31/2024. The student would be required to amend their 2024 taxes to update their tax filing status.

Is this conflicting?

You betcha!

Crossover Marital Status Conflicts

25/26

26/27

• Marital Status: Single

• Marital Status: Married

What to do?

Send a SS to confirm which is correct. Corrections may be required.

Manual Tax Entry vs. FTI Conflict

Non-Crossover Period

During Crossover

A Manual Tax Entry vs. FTI Conflict exists when there is a conflict between the manually entered tax data and the tax information that was transferred directly via the FA-DDX. The conflicts should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

A crossover Marital Status vs. FTI Conflict occurs when the information provided conflicts between one Award Year's ISIR and another Award Year's ISIR.

Support Tip

Filed a 1040/1040NR

Student/contributor manually enters tax data in the FAFSA but the FA-DDX reflects “No Return on File”.

Example

RESOLUTION #1

• Confirm tax year: If the student/contributor admits the manually entered tax data is not from 2024 (required for 26/27 award year).
• Complete SS: Use ‘26/27 Income Conflict Prompt #2’ to document the error. (If you can walk the student through corrections, do so on the call.)
• Submit ISIR Corrections task: Include the conflict and note that the SS is on file.
• Ensure compliance: The updated ISIR must be on file before packaging.

Filed a 1040/1040NR

Student/contributor manually enters tax data in the FAFSA but the FA-DDX reflects “No Return on File”.

Example

RESOLUTION #2

• Confirm tax year: Student/contributor states the manually entered data is for 2024.
• Complete SS: Use ‘26/27 Income Conflict Prompt #1’. (If you can walk the student through corrections, do so on the call.)Request documentation: Ask for a 2024 Form 1040 with a wet signature (no electronic signatures).
• Submit ISIR Corrections task: Include conflict details and note SS and 1040 on file.
• Ensure compliance: Updated ISIR must be on file before packaging.

Filed with Current Spouse

Student is Married and the answer to Filed Joint Return with Current Spouse reads ‘NO’, but the FTI indicates Successful Request with the TFS of MFJ.

Example

Example:

Student is Married and the answer to Filed Joint Return with Current Spouse reads ‘NO’, but the FTI indicates Successful Request with the TFS of MFJ.

RESOLUTION #1

• Confirm filing status: Student states they filed 2024 taxes with their current spouse and data is accurate.
• Complete SS: Use ‘26/27 Income Conflict Prompt #3’. (If you can walk the student through corrections, do so on the call.)
• Submit ISIR Corrections: Remove manually entered tax data.
• Ensure compliance: Updated ISIR must be on file before packaging.

Filed with Current Spouse

Student is Married and the answer to Filed Joint Return with Current Spouse reads ‘NO’, but the FTI indicates Successful Request with the TFS of MFJ.

Example

RESOLUTION #2

• Confirm filing status: Student states they did NOT file 2024 taxes with their current spouse.
• Complete SSs: Use ‘26/27 Income Conflict Prompt #3’ for both student and spouse. (If you can walk the student through corrections, do so on the call.)
• Request documentation: 2024 tax returns and W-2s from both student and spouse.
• Submit Separation of Income task: Include conflict details and note documents on file.
• Ensure compliance: Updated ISIR must be on file before packaging.

Separation of Income

Student’s MS is Divorced and FA-DDX shows “Successful Request” with a TFS of MFJ.

Example

RESOLUTION #1

• Confirm accuracy: Student states manually entered tax data is correct.
• Complete SS: Use ‘26/27 Income Conflict Prompt #3’, include student’s reason in their own words. (If you can walk the student through corrections, do so on the call.)
• Update FA Complete task: Note that SS is on file confirming ISIR data is accurate.

Separation of Income

Student’s MS is Divorced and FA-DDX shows “Successful Request” with a TFS of MFJ.

Example

RESOLUTION #2

• Confirm accuracy: Student states the manually entered tax data is incorrect.
• Complete SS: Use ‘26/27 Income Conflict Prompt #3’, clearly indicate the error. (If you can walk the student through corrections, do so on the call.)
• Request documentation: 2024 tax docs—physically signed 1040 or tax transcripts and/or W-2s.
• Submit Separation of Income task: Include conflict details and note documents on file.
• Ensure compliance: Updated ISIR must be on file before packaging.

Amended Taxes

Example

The student is Married, spouse manually entered tax data including TFS as MFS, and FTI pulled HOH for student. Student confirmed Married during tax year.

RESOLUTION

• Identify situation: Student/contributor filed or must file an amended tax return.
• Request documentation:
• Physically signed 1040X and original 1040 for 2024, OR
• IRS Record of Account (signed if printed before upload).
• Submit ISIR Corrections task: Note conflict and documents on file.
• Ensure compliance: Updated ISIR must be on file before packaging.

Manually Entered Finacial Information & FTI Pulled PII Match Fail

Example

The student is selected for VT, FTI information did not transfer over, and they got the PII Match Fail indicator.

RESOLUTION

• Request copy of a signed 1040 and schedule(s) OR Tax Transcripts (must be signed if printed prior to uploading)
• Verification Documents once everything is on file
• If selected for V5, I.D. Verification should be completed as well
• Then submit for Verification Review

* Reminder: If not selected for VT and FTI section shows 'PII Match Failed' and there are no conflicts with the MEFI, tax documents are not needed.

Crossover Matching AGI Conflicts

25/26

• AGI

$24,500 for 2023

• IRS Response:

200 Successful Request

26/27

• AGI

$24,500 for 2024

• IRS Response:

200 Successful Request

What to do?

No conflict, proceed with file as normal.

Key Takeaways

• For any HS conflict, complete an HSPOG, make ISIR/FAFSA corrections if needed, and submit the POG Review task to package the file.
• Name/DOB on ISIR cannot be corrected by SFAs.
• Family size updates are not conflicting unless they affect the SAI formula.
• Use the MS vs TFS flow chart to resolve marital status vs tax filing conflicts.
• Review manual tax entry & FTI conflicts case-by-case.
• If tax documents are required for ISIR conflicts, the student will not be institutionally selected for Verification.

Crossover Guidance

Resources

Crossover One-Pager

2026/27 FPP Page

Packaging Status Guide

Crossover Packaging Flowchart

VT & Taxes Handbook

2026 FSA Handbook

MS vs TFS Flowchart

SS Prompt Guide

2026/27 Ultimate FAFSA Workbook

Questions?

Next Up:

Awarding Practice in Go1 Due 2/11!

Reminder for naming requirements example: nsf1 - vspivey

Support Tip:

Filing status determines the type of tax return form a taxpayer must use when filing taxes. While it is closely linked to marital status, the two don't always align due to certain circumstances.

Crossover Guidance

• If aid is not paid on 25/26, ISIR correction is not needed on the 25/26 ISIR, but confirm 26/27 ISIR for accuracy.
• For Family Size, if not at Max Pell and SAI conflicts exist, correct ISIR.
• 25/26 & 26/27 ISIRs do not ask for marital dates; if MS changes seem illogical and SAI/family size also conflict, confirm marital status dates and address.

Support Tip:

Manual tax entry may be the only option for some students or contributors; that does not mean that it is necessarily wrong. Simply confirm with the student that the information is correct.

Support Tip:

If a student's name or DOB is confirmed incorrect on the ISIR, SFA's are not able to submit ISIR Corrections to have this corrected. The student themselves will have to make a correction to their FSA ID and then proceed with correcting their FAFSA.

Support Tip:

If a student has a value listed beside "Updated Family Size" that differs from the exemptions listed in FTI, it does not conflict, but it could still conflict with the SAI Formula/Computation.