FAFSA Question

[RegGuheert]

It looks like I will finally be forced to file a FAFSA this year. :eek:

My question is this: Do I need to have FILED my 2009 Form 1040 before submitting the FAFSA, or can I file the FAFSA based on what I expect to be on the 1040? The reason I ask is the FAFSA apparently needs to be filed sometime in February, but since we will owe additional taxes this year, I don't want to file those until April 15. TIA!

[HSLover]

Hi! I file one every year for myself, and no you do not have to have filed for 2009 yet. Go to fafsa.ed.gov and just fill it out. That site I use and it walks you through everything. Hope this helps!

Rachel

[newbie]

I thought it was based on 2008 not 2009. And the filing date was closest to Jan 1 as possible.

Now I have to go back and look b/c we dont have 2009 ready either. :confused::confused:

[Kathy in Richmond]

Yep, you can file the Fafsa now based on your estimates. Then, after you complete your tax return, go back on the Fafsa website and file a "corrected fafsa". The corrections will be automatically forwarded to your colleges.

That's the only way we can make the deadlines on time:001_smile:.

~Kathy

[RegGuheert]

Wow! Thanks! Three replies in the first 30 minutes! You ladies are amazing!:thumbup:

Thanks, that sounds reasonable. The reason we need to file the FAFSA in February is because there is an important scholarship application due then and FAFSA is part of it. Thanks again!

[Valerie(TX)]

and if you estimate to the best of your ability, then check the box that says "have not filed but will file" in the parent's section, that should at least get you started. Each college seems to have different ways of using the FAFSA form, but two told me that it is important to get it in early for their sake, even if it isn't the "final answer" because the work-study money goes early! They can always make minor adjustments to you student's aid after the fact if necessary.

hth

[Karen in CO]

:crying:
Oh no. Not FAFSA time again already.

[ereks mom]

It looks like I will finally be forced to file a FAFSA this year. :eek:

My question is this: Do I need to have FILED my 2009 Form 1040 before submitting the FAFSA, or can I file the FAFSA based on what I expect to be on the 1040? The reason I ask is the FAFSA apparently needs to be filed sometime in February, but since we will owe additional taxes this year, I don't want to file those until April 15. TIA!

We filed ER's FAFSA in 2008 before we filed our taxes, then had to go back and amend it. It was annoying to have to do that. In 2009, we waited until we filed our taxes and then filed the FAFSA. It was a bit more streamlined. However, we do file our taxes as early as possible, since we generally get a refund. If we were going to owe money though, I think I'd prefer to file the FAFSA first and then go back and amend it if necessary. You should definitely file the FAFSA in January or February because a lot of scholarship money is distributed on a first-come-first-served basis.

[K-FL]

You can always do your taxes early, but not mail them until April. I don't know if you have that option if you file electronically (esp if you use a tax service.)

[RegGuheert]

You can always do your taxes early, but not mail them until April. I don't know if you have that option if you file electronically (esp if you use a tax service.)That's probably what I will do. I'm pretty sure the tax software I normally use has an add-on module that will automatically file a FAFSA, as well. I'm just not sure I can do that until I *submit* my 1040. We'll see. Taxes are going to be a MAJOR NIGHTMARE this year. *sigh*

Thanks to all for the info and experience! It's very helpful!