What Is the TASFA? A Complete Guide for Texas Families
The Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) helps Texas residents who are not eligible for the FAFSA access state grants, scholarships, and institutional aid. Ms. Thrash provides expert guidance to help families understand TASFA requirements, complete the application correctly, and meet important deadlines.
Last Updated: February 2026
Important: FAFSA or TASFA completion is now a high school graduation requirement for the state of Texas. Every senior must complete FAFSA, TASFA, or submit the official Opt-Out form.
Who Should Complete the TASFA?
Students who are Texas residents but not eligible to complete the FAFSA should complete the TASFA to access state financial aid. Completing the TASFA enables Texas residents to apply for state grants, scholarships, and institutional aid, making college more accessible and affordable.
Ms. Thrash helps families determine which application is appropriate and guides you through each step to ensure accuracy and compliance with Texas graduation requirements.
Common TASFA Applicants
- ✓ Certain non-U.S. citizens who meet Texas residency requirements
- ��� Students who cannot receive federal Pell Grants or federal student loans
- ✓ Texas residents not eligible for the FAFSA
Important Reminder
Every Texas high school senior must complete one of the following to meet graduation requirements:
- • Complete the FAFSA
- • Complete the TASFA
- • Submit the official Opt-Out form
FAFSA vs TASFA: Understanding the Difference
You'll only complete one application—either FAFSA or TASFA, not both. Understanding which application you're eligible for is the first step in accessing financial aid for college.
| Application | What It Covers | Who It's For |
|---|---|---|
| FAFSA | Federal, state, and institutional aid | U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens |
| TASFA | State and institutional aid only | Texas residents not eligible for FAFSA |
TASFA Completion Roadmap
Follow this step-by-step roadmap to successfully complete your TASFA and maximize your state financial aid opportunities.
Determine Your Eligibility
Confirm that you are a Texas resident who is not eligible to complete the FAFSA. TASFA is for students who meet Texas residency requirements but cannot access federal student aid.
Gather Required Documents
Collect student and parent/spouse W-2 forms, tax transcripts or tax returns, household size information, and the number of dependents attending college.
Complete the TASFA Form
Fill out the TASFA online at College for All Texans or download the paper version. Provide accurate financial and household information for both student and parents.
List Your Schools
Add all Texas colleges and universities you're considering. The online TASFA automatically sends your information to the schools you select.
Important: If using the paper TASFA and applying to multiple institutions, you must submit a separate signed copy to each college's financial aid office.
Sign and Submit
Both student and parent must sign the TASFA. For online submissions, use electronic signatures. For paper forms, sign physically and mail or deliver to each college.
Follow Up with Colleges
Contact each college's financial aid office to confirm they received your TASFA. Respond promptly to any requests for additional documentation or verification.
Applying to Multiple Institutions?
Online TASFA: The online application allows you to select multiple Texas colleges and universities. Your TASFA will be automatically submitted to all schools you select.
Paper TASFA: If using the paper form, you must submit a separate signed copy directly to each college's financial aid office. Check with each institution for their preferred submission method (mail, upload portal, or in-person delivery).
What You'll Need Before Starting the TASFA
Gather these documents and information before you begin to make the TASFA application process smoother and more efficient.
Identification Numbers
- • Student's Social Security Number or ITIN
- • Parent Social Security Numbers or ITINs (if dependent)
- • Driver's license number (if applicable)
Texas Residency Proof
- • Texas high school transcript or diploma
- • Proof of Texas residence for 12+ months
- • Utility bills, lease agreements, or property tax statements
Student Financial Documents
- • Student W-2 forms (previous year)
- • Student tax returns or transcripts (if filed)
- • Records of untaxed income (child support, etc.)
- • Bank statements and investment records
Parent/Family Financial Info
- • Parent W-2 forms (if dependent student)
- • Parent tax returns or transcripts
- • Household size and number in college
- • Parent untaxed income records
Which Tax Year to Use?
For 2026-27 TASFA: Use 2024 tax information (filed in 2025)
For 2025-26 TASFA: Use 2023 tax information (filed in 2024)
If parents didn't file taxes: You'll still need to report income from W-2s and other sources. Select "Will not file" on the TASFA and provide information about why taxes weren't filed.
Understanding Your Dependency Status
Your dependency status determines whose financial information you'll need to provide on the TASFA. Most high school seniors are considered dependent students.
Dependent Student
You are dependent if you answer NO to all of these:
- ✗ Born before January 1, 2003 (for 2026-27)
- ✗ Married or separated
- ✗ Have legal dependents you support
- ✗ Veteran or active military
- ✗ Orphan, ward of the court, or emancipated minor
You'll need: Parent financial information and signatures
Independent Student
You are independent if you answer YES to any of these:
- ✓ Age 24 or older by December 31, 2026
- ✓ Married or legally separated
- �� Have legal dependents (children, etc.)
- ✓ Currently serving in U.S. Armed Forces
- ✓ Homeless or at risk of homelessness
You'll need: Only your own financial information (and spouse if married)
What If My Parents Are Divorced or Separated?
If your parents are divorced or separated, you'll report information for the parent you lived with most during the past 12 months. This is called your "custodial parent."
- • If you lived equally with both parents, report information for the parent who provided more financial support
- • If your custodial parent has remarried, you must include your stepparent's financial information
- • Do NOT include financial information from the non-custodial parent (the parent you lived with less)
Texas Residency Requirements for TASFA
To qualify for the TASFA and receive Texas state financial aid, you must meet specific Texas residency requirements. These requirements ensure that state aid goes to students who have established genuine ties to Texas.
Basic Residency Requirements
- You must have lived in Texas for at least 12 consecutive months immediately before the semester you're enrolling
- You must have graduated from a Texas high school or earned a Texas GED
- You must establish Texas as your permanent home with intent to remain in Texas
Documents That Prove Texas Residency
- • Texas high school diploma or transcript
- • Texas driver's license or state ID
- • Texas voter registration card
- • Utility bills in your or parent's name
- • Lease agreement or mortgage documents
- • Texas vehicle registration
Common Residency Questions
Can I qualify if I just moved to Texas?
Generally no, unless you graduated from a Texas high school after living here for 36 months before graduation.
What if my parents still live in another state?
If you're a dependent student, your residency typically follows your parents' residency, not where you currently live.
Texas State Grants Available Through TASFA
Completing the TASFA makes you eligible for several Texas state grant programs. These programs can significantly reduce your college costs. Award amounts and eligibility vary by program and are subject to funding availability.
The Towards EXcellence, Access, and Success (TEXAS) Grant is the state's premier financial aid program for students with financial need attending Texas public universities.
The TEOG provides financial assistance to students attending Texas public two-year colleges (community colleges).
The TEG helps students attending private, non-profit Texas colleges and universities by reducing the cost gap between public and private institutions.
Important: State grant funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Submitting your TASFA by the January 15 priority deadline significantly increases your chances of receiving state grant funding.
How to Complete the TASFA
There are two ways to complete the TASFA: online or by paper. Choose the method that works best for your situation. Ms. Thrash can guide you through either process to ensure accuracy.
Online TASFA
- ✓ Available in English on the College for All Texans website
- ✓ A Spanish paper version is available as a reference guide
- ✓ Automatically submitted to colleges when completed online
Paper TASFA
- ✓ Download for 2026–27 or 2025–26 academic year
- ✓ Available in English and Spanish (Copia en Español)
- ✓ Submit directly to each college's financial aid office
Important: If applying to multiple colleges, submit a signed copy to each one. Verify submission method (mail, upload, or in-person) with each school.
TASFA Deadlines and Important Dates
Meeting deadlines is critical to maximize your financial aid opportunities. Ms. Thrash recommends applying early since funding is limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
State Priority Deadline
January 15 each year — This is the priority deadline for Texas state financial aid consideration.
Submitting by this date significantly increases your chance of receiving aid. Late applications are still accepted but may receive reduced or no funding.
College-Specific Deadlines
Each college sets its own financial aid deadlines — these vary by institution.
Check with each college's financial aid office to confirm their specific deadline. Apply early to maximize your opportunities since institutional aid is also limited.
After You Submit Your TASFA
Once you've submitted your TASFA application, there are important next steps to ensure your financial aid is processed correctly.
Contact your college's financial aid office to confirm they received your TASFA.
Each school reviews your TASFA to determine your eligibility for state and institutional aid.
Be ready to provide additional documents if requested by the financial aid office.
Processing Timeline
How long does it take? Processing times vary by institution, but most colleges review TASFA applications within 2-4 weeks after submission. You'll typically receive your financial aid offer letter 4-6 weeks after your TASFA is processed.
Check your status: Monitor your college email and student portal regularly for updates. Financial aid offices will contact you if they need additional information or documentation.
Understanding the Verification Process
Some students are selected for verification, a process where colleges confirm the accuracy of information reported on your TASFA. Being selected is not unusual and doesn't mean you did anything wrong—it's a routine quality check.
What Happens If You're Selected?
- 1. The college's financial aid office will notify you by email or through your student portal
- 2. You'll receive a list of documents they need to verify your information
- 3. Submit requested documents by the deadline provided
- 4. Your financial aid will be on hold until verification is complete
Commonly Requested Verification Documents
- • IRS Tax Return Transcripts (not tax returns)
- • W-2 forms for student and parents
- • Verification worksheet (provided by college)
- • Proof of household size and number in college
- • Identity and statement of educational purpose (with signatures)
Pro Tip: Respond to verification requests immediately. Delays in providing verification documents can result in missed financial aid deadlines and reduced aid awards. Ms. Thrash can help you navigate the verification process and ensure you submit complete documentation.
Common TASFA Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding these common errors will help ensure your TASFA is processed quickly and accurately, maximizing your financial aid opportunities.
Using the Wrong Tax Year
Mistake: Using the current year's tax information instead of the required prior-prior year.
Solution: For 2026-27 TASFA, use 2024 taxes. For 2025-26 TASFA, use 2023 taxes.
Forgetting to Sign the Application
Mistake: Submitting without required student and parent signatures.
Solution: Both student and parent (if dependent) must sign. For paper forms, use handwritten signatures. For online applications, follow the electronic signature process.
Leaving Questions Blank
Mistake: Skipping questions or leaving fields empty.
Solution: Answer every question. If a question doesn't apply, enter "0" or "N/A" as appropriate. Blank fields can delay processing.
Incorrect Social Security or ITIN Numbers
Mistake: Transposing digits or entering incorrect identification numbers.
Solution: Double-check all Social Security Numbers and ITINs against official documents before submitting.
Not Listing All Colleges
Mistake: Only listing one college when you're applying to multiple schools.
Solution: List ALL Texas colleges you're considering. You can always decline offers later, but you can't receive aid from schools not listed.
Missing the Priority Deadline
Mistake: Submitting after January 15 and receiving reduced aid due to limited funding.
Solution: Mark January 15 on your calendar and aim to submit at least one week early to allow time for any issues.
Need Help with Your TASFA?
You don't have to navigate the TASFA process alone. Ms. Thrash and multiple resources are available to support you through every step of the application.
Ms. Thrash CCMR Support
Ms. Thrash provides personalized TASFA completion assistance including document review, application walkthroughs, and deadline reminders. Schedule a one-on-one session to get expert help.
Schedule Your SessionTexas Higher Education Coordinating Board
TASFA Website
www.highered.texas.gov/students-families/tasfa/College Financial Aid Offices
Each college has a financial aid office dedicated to helping students. Contact them directly for:
- • College-specific TASFA questions
- • Verification requests
- • Application status updates
- • Institutional aid information
Your High School Counselor
Your high school counselor can verify your TASFA completion to meet Texas graduation requirements and provide additional guidance on the application process.
Common Questions About TASFA
Texas residents who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA should complete the TASFA to access state and institutional financial aid. Ms. Thrash can help you determine if the TASFA is the right application for your specific situation and guide you through the completion process.
No. You should only complete one application—either FAFSA or TASFA, not both. Submitting both may delay your financial aid processing and create confusion with your college's financial aid office.
TASFA provides access to state and institutional aid only. This includes Texas state grants, scholarships from your college, and other institutional financial aid programs.
TASFA does not provide access to federal aid such as Pell Grants or federal student loans, which are only available through the FAFSA.
No. The TASFA is completely free to complete and submit. There are no application fees or processing charges.
You can still submit your TASFA after January 15, but your financial aid may be reduced or unavailable depending on remaining funds. State and institutional aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis with limited funding.
Ms. Thrash strongly recommends submitting your TASFA as early as possible��ideally by the priority deadline—to maximize your financial aid opportunities.
Get Expert Help with Your TASFA Application
Don't navigate the TASFA process alone. Ms. Thrash is here to help you complete your application correctly, meet all deadlines, and maximize your financial aid opportunities. With personalized support, you'll submit your TASFA with confidence.