Can you submit your FAFSA after taking a gap year?

I'm planning to take a gap year and I'm confused about the process for financial aid. Is it possible to submit or renew the FAFSA after my gap year, or would I have to do it earlier?

Yes, you certainly can submit your FAFSA after taking a gap year. The FAFSA for each year becomes available on October 1 of the previous year. So for example, the FAFSA for the 2025-2026 academic year will be available starting October 1, 2024.

After taking your gap year, you would fill out the FAFSA for the academic year in which you plan to enroll in college. It's important to note the deadline of the FAFSA: for federal aid, it's typically due by June 30th at the end of the academic year, but states and colleges often have earlier deadlines. Also, financial aid funds can be limited, so it's generally beneficial to apply early.

One last thing to keep in mind is that the FAFSA requires financial information from tax returns completed two years prior to the academic year. For example, if you're planning to enroll in college for the 2025-2026 year, you'll need tax information from 2023. So, during your gap year, ensure you keep that necessary information readily available for when you need to submit your FAFSA.