Fafsa Documents Needed

When preparing to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), it’s essential to gather all the necessary documents to ensure a smooth and efficient process. The required documents may vary depending on your specific situation, such as your dependency status, marital status, or whether you’re a U.S. citizen. Here’s a comprehensive list of the most commonly needed documents:

Student’s Documents:

1. Social Security Number (SSN) or Alien Registration Number: You’ll need your SSN or Alien Registration Number to complete the FAFSA.
2. Driver’s License: If you have a driver’s license, you’ll need to provide the number.
3. W-2 Forms: You’ll need to provide W-2 forms from the previous tax year to report your income.
4. Federal Tax Return: You’ll need a copy of your federal tax return from the previous tax year.
5. Other Income Documents: If you have other sources of income, such as tips, investments, or self-employment income, you’ll need to provide documentation.

Parent’s Documents (if dependent):

1. Social Security Number (SSN) or Alien Registration Number: Your parents will need to provide their SSN or Alien Registration Number.
2. Federal Tax Return: Your parents will need to provide a copy of their federal tax return from the previous tax year.
3. W-2 Forms: Your parents will need to provide W-2 forms from the previous tax year to report their income.
4. Other Income Documents: If your parents have other sources of income, they’ll need to provide documentation.

Additional Documents:

1. U.S. Citizenship or Eligible Non-Citizenship Documentation: If you’re not a U.S. citizen, you may need to provide documentation to prove your eligible non-citizenship status.
2. Marital Status Documentation: If you’re married, you may need to provide documentation to prove your marital status.
3. Child Support Paid or Received: If you or your parents pay or receive child support, you’ll need to provide documentation.
4. Veterans Benefits: If you or your parents receive veterans benefits, you’ll need to provide documentation.

What to Do Next:

1. Gather All Documents: Collect all the necessary documents before starting the FAFSA application.
2. Complete the FAFSA: Go to the FAFSA website and complete the application, using the documents you’ve gathered.
3. List Colleges: List the colleges you’re interested in attending, as the FAFSA will send your information to these institutions.
4. Submit the FAFSA: Submit your completed FAFSA application, and wait for the results.

Tips and Reminders:

• Make sure to use the correct tax year’s documents, as the FAFSA uses prior-prior year tax data.
• If you have any issues or questions, contact the FAFSA help center or your college’s financial aid office.
• Be careful when entering your information, as errors can delay processing.
• You can complete the FAFSA on the web or through the myStudentAid mobile app.