MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Families in Memphis who aren’t up to date on their taxes are hesitant to put all of their financial information out there while filling out the FAFSA. They have to do it for their children to qualify for the Tennessee Promise, but are worried it might affect their state benefits.
WREG also learned the government isn’t all that organized.
“My message to the parents is FAFSA and the IRS are not communicating with one another,” Kandice Shorter, a guidance counselor at Carver High School helping kids and families with these final forms, said.
Some may find this lack of communication between two government agencies shocking, but it’s a relief to many.
Earlene Riley has two sons graduating this year. She says a lot of parents going through the college application process for the first time have questions.
“At first they were worried about I make this amount. If he applies for this and they give him that, it’s going to affect what I bring home?” Riley said.
The FAFSA helps the government calculate how much financial aid your child qualifies for when it comes to college. It’s essential information for the Tennessee Promise program that’s paying for Tennessee seniors to go to college for two years.
“We want to push grants and financial aid. If we have to do loans fine, but I’m trying to keep my kids away from student loans,” Shorter said.
Shorter has them print the form out so she can keep track of who still needs help. They have less than three weeks to go, but she’s proud to say half the kids have finished the process.
“It’s kind of combating what people say about Memphis and our crime rate, and showing we have a high future goal rate as well,” she said.
Riley hopes other parents will put their egos aside and ask the right questions for their kids.
“The school will walk you through it. All you have to do is walk through the door and ask,” Riley said.
If you need help filling out your FAFSA form, click here.