Completing and Submitting the TASFA

How to Submit

According to the THECB, TASFA submission methods vary by institution. Some colleges use online portals, others accept fillable forms, and some still require paper submission. Always check your college’s financial-aid website for specific instructions. Then follow these steps to complete your TASFA form:

Step 1: Confirm Your TASFA Eligibility

You may file the TASFA if:

• You are a Texas resident for tuition purposes

• You are not eligible to complete the FAFSA

• You meet residency requirements under the Texas Dream Act

• You can sign the residency affidavit

• Your college classifies you as a Texas resident

Reminder: THECB confirms that TASFA is only for students who cannot complete the FAFSA.
(Source: highered.texas.gov/students-families/tasfa/)

Step 2: Find Out HOW Your College Accepts the TASFA

This comes straight from THECB:

“The process for receiving a paper copy of the TASFA varies by institution. Some require it to be mailed. Others may prefer you upload or email a copy through a secure platform.” (Source: THECB TASFA page)

This means each college chooses ONE of the following:

Option A: Online TASFA Portal

• Many universities now have a secure portal to complete and upload TASFA documents.

Option B: Downloadable TASFA PDF

• You fill out a PDF form and upload/email it to your school.

Option C: Paper Submission

• Some colleges still require paper delivery—either mailed or submitted in person.

Step 3: Gather ALL Required Documents

Have these ready before you begin; required by most colleges:

• Texas Residency Affidavit (from your college)

• Student/parent tax returns or W-2s (two years prior)

• Proof of Texas residency (lease, bills, pay stubs, TX ID)

• High school transcript/GED certificate

• List of colleges you’re applying to

• NEW (2025–2026): Proof of Lawful Presence

Step 4: Complete the TASFA

If filing ONLINE

1. Create or log into the college’s financial aid portal or

2. Create or log into the THECB website -> Start the Online TASFA

3. Complete each section carefully

4. Upload all required documents

5. Save a PDF copy of everything

6. Take screenshots of submission confirmation

If filing by PDF or PAPER

1. Download the TASFA from THECB website

   1. 2026-27 TASFA Paper Copy and Instructions [PDF]

   2. 2025-26 TASFA Paper Copy & Instructions [PDF]

2. Type answers clearly

3. Attach all documents

4. Make two full copies

5. Sign and date all pages

Step 5: Submit In Person (Strongly Recommended)

If possible:

Step 5A — Visit Admissions

• Ask to confirm your residency classification

• Make sure your file reflects “Texas Resident” for tuition

• Ask if any additional documents are needed

Step 5B — Visit Financial Aid

• Submit your TASFA + documents

• Ask for confirmation

• Ask when processing will begin

• Ask if your file is complete

What to say:

“I’m here to submit my TASFA and supporting documents. Could you please confirm that my file is complete and that my residency classification is correct?”

This is a powerful yet respectful way to advocate for yourself.

Step 6: Keep Copies of EVERYTHING

Create a folder called:

TASFA – Your Name – 2026–2027 (or filing year)

Include:

• PDFs of your TASFA

• Submitted documents

• Screenshots

• Emails

• Receipts

• Notes from conversations

• Names of staff you spoke with

• Dates you submitted things

Step 7: Follow Up

One week or two after submitting:

• Check your college portal

• Check your email

• Call or visit financial aid

• Ask if your file is complete

You can say:

“Hi, I submitted my TASFA on ____. Can you confirm my documents have been received and that there is nothing missing?”

Step 8: Respond Quickly to Requests

Financial aid offices may request:

• More residency documents

• Proof of high school graduation

• Additional tax forms

• Clarification about your status

Respond as soon as possible to avoid delays.

Step 9: Watch for Your Award Notification (Email + Portal)

Most colleges will send you an email notification stating something like:

“You have an update to your financial aid offer. Please log in to your student portal.”

IMPORTANT:
This email often goes to your school email address, not your personal one.

What to do:

1. Check your email often

   • Check your student email at least 2–3 times a week

   • Check your spam/junk folder

   • Add the financial-aid office email to your contacts so you don’t miss updates

2. Log in to your student portal

   • Go to your Financial Aid or “My Awards” section

   • Look for a message titled “Award Offer”, “Financial Aid Package”, or “Aid Notification”

3. Read the award carefully
   It will show how much aid you are receiving for the academic year (example: $3,000 for 2025–2026).

4. You MUST click “ACCEPT”
   This step is extremely important.

If you do not click “Accept”, the money will NOT be applied to your tuition bill—even if you were awarded it.

Most portals have options like:

• Accept Full Amount

• Accept Partial Amount

• Decline

For grants (free money), always choose “Accept” unless instructed otherwise.

How the Money Is Disbursed (VERY IMPORTANT)

Grants and aid are not given all at once.

If you are awarded $3,000 for the year, it will be split into:

• Fall semester: $1,500

• Spring semester: $1,500

This is federal and state policy.

Students need to know:

• You will NOT receive the full amount at the beginning

• Aid is released after the semester begins

• Aid is applied to your bill first

• Any leftover amount may be refunded to you (depending on your school)

Student Tips

Set up email notifications on your phone

1. Check your portal weekly

2. After accepting your award, confirm the status says “Accepted/Processed”

3. Make sure you are enrolled in enough credit hours to receive the full award (some grants require full-time enrollment)

4. If part-time, aid may be reduced