I'm planning to apply for financial aid for college soon and I've heard that I need to fill out the FAFSA form. However, I'm not entirely sure what documents or information I'll need to have ready to complete it. Can someone guide me on what to prepare so that when the application opens, I won't be caught off guard? Any tips on the process would also be appreciated!
Filling out the FAFSA efficiently requires having the right documents and information at your disposal. Here's a list of things you're likely to need:
1. Your Social Security Number or Alien Registration Number if you're not a U.S. citizen.
2. Federal income tax returns, W-2s, or any other records of income. You can most likely import these tax record details using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT). Remember, you'll be using income information from two years prior (for instance, if you're filing the FAFSA for the 2025-2026 school year, you'll use information from the 2023 tax year).
3. Records of untaxed income, such as child support received, interest income, and veterans' non-education benefits, if applicable.
4. Information about assets, such as savings, checking account balances, stocks, bonds, and real estate (not including the house in which your family lives).
5. FSA ID – it's highly recommended to create your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID ahead of time. It serves as your legal signature.
6. If you’re a dependent (under 24, among other requirements), you’ll need your parents’ Social Security numbers and date of birth as well. Also, information like income and financial information will be needed from your parents too.
Remember that the FAFSA goes live on December 1, so I highly recommend getting your documentation ready beforehand. Once it opens, the earlier you submit, the better, as some aid is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Final tip: Make sure you're on the official FAFSA website (fafsa.gov). There are scams out there trying to charge students to submit the FAFSA, but remember, the first 'F' in FAFSA stands for 'free'! Good luck on your college journey!
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