FAFSA application form

Completing The College FAFSA Application Form

Here is what you need to know on how to complete a FAFSA application form.

Gather the basic financial aid applications documents you will need to complete your FAFSA form:

Start with your Social Security Number, driver’s license, income tax returns, bank statements, and investment records.
Additional FAFSA information you may need will include the records of your income earned in the year prior to when you will start school. You may also need records of your parents' income information if you are a dependent student.
For the current school year you will need financial information from the most recent tax records year available.

Here is your FAFSA Application Checklist:

Your Social Security Number (SSN). A common mistake that causes FAFSA application rejection is to enter the wrong SSN. Be sure it is correct!
Your driver's license (if any)
Your most recent tax W-2 Forms and other records of money or earnings
Your (and your spouse's, if you are married) most current year Federal Income Tax Return. This includes; IRS 1040, 1040A or 1040 EZ.
If you are a dependent college student seeking college financial aid, you will need your Parents' most current tax year Federal Income Tax Return
Your most current tax year untaxed income records, to include: Veterans benefits records, Child support received and/or Worker's compensation earnings.
Your current bank or credit union or financial institution statements
Your current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond and other investment records
If you are outside the 50 US states you will need your Foreign Tax Returns.
If your are in a US Territory you will need Tax Return for Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Federal States of Micronesia, or Palau
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need your alien registration or permanent resident card

FAFSA Form Tips:

A handy financial aid application tip is to keep these records! You may need your financial records again.
Do not mail your records to Federal Student Aid, or at least keep a copy of your financial information.
Apply to college as early as possible beginning January 1st of each year.
Note that each college and university in all states have their own FAFSA application deadlines. Click here to find the FAFSA deadlines for each state.

Once you have gathered all this FAFSA application information, you are ready for the next step for college financial aid, completing the FAFSA Application Form Worksheet