Before applying for federal student aid, you’ll want to pull together all the necessary documentation, such as your drivers ID, Social Security card, current bank statement and your W2 and tax returns. When gathering your tax information for the FAFSA, remember that you’re required to use your tax return from two years prior. This means that if you’re completing the FAFSA to begin school in fall 2018, you’ll need your tax information from 2016. Because you must complete the FAFSA each year you need student aid, you’ll need to keep your tax information handy for the FAFSA’s you will complete while in college. Try to keep all relevant documentation together in a safe location. This will help you quickly and accurately finish all future FAFSAs.
If you’re unsure when to complete the FAFSA or what year’s tax return you will need, check out the FAFSA Completion Chart below.
