I'm getting ready to fill out the FAFSA, but I'm a bit overwhelmed. What specific information do I need to gather before starting the application to make the process smoother?
Filling out the FAFSA can be a bit daunting, but don't worry! Here's a list of the materials you'll need on hand to make the process easier.
1. Your Social Security Number: This is the primary method FAFSA uses to identify students.
2. Your Alien Registration Number: If applicable, non-U.S. citizens will need their alien registration number.
3. Federal Income Tax Returns: You'll need the most recent tax returns (yours if you're independent and also your parents' if you're a dependent). Beginning with the 2023-24 academic year, you will be asked to provide income and tax information from two years prior to the academic year. For instance, if you are filling out the FAFSA for the 2025-26 academic year, you will need to provide tax information from the 2023 tax year.
4. W-2 Forms: These documents not only reveal your (or your parents') wage information but other data as well, like tax withholdings.
5. Records on Untaxed Income: This includes things like child support received, interest income, and veterans non-education benefits, amongst other sources of untaxed income.
6. Current Bank Statements: This helps to determine your current asset values.
7. Records of Investments: This includes real estate other than the home in which you live, rental property, trust funds, money market funds, mutual funds, certificates of deposit, stocks, bonds and other such investments.
8. Records of all other income: Any additional income not covered in the items above, make sure you have it documented.
9. FSA ID: This is what you'll use to electronically sign the FAFSA form. You can create this on the Federal Student Aid website.
10. A List of the School(s) You Are Interested in Attending: Each school has a code that must be entered so FAFSA knows where to send your information.
Before you start the FAFSA application, make sure you have all these documents and pieces of information at the ready. The process will be much smoother this way and you should be able to complete the FAFSA without too much back-and-forth.
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