Why do schools still ask for your w-2's, make you fill out other papers, when you already applied on fafsa?

Question

Why do schools still ask for your w-2's, make you fill out other papers, when you already applied on fafsa?

Answer 1

To verify that you entered the information correctly on the fafsa.  You would be amazed how many people have a difficult time following and understanding the instructions on this form.  It's really a process put in place (called verification) to help make sure you get the most aid possible.

Answer 2

They don't ask for a W-2; they ask for a W-9.  A W-9 is the form that you give them so they will have your mailing address and social security number (or tax id number).  They don't get that form from FAFSA because one company or organization can't share the W-9's that they've received with any other company or organization.  Your address may have changed since you filled out the FAFSA application; if you didn't tell FAFSA, the school wouldn't know.

Asking for this form gives the school a standard way to collect necessary information from every student.  It's also a government for that is signed under penalty of perjury, so anyone providing false information on a W-9 is subject to prosecution.  That gives the government the authority to crack down on various cheaters and scammers.