<p>My S13 may apply ED to a school that meets full need. Based on the NPC on the website we can afford their estimate plus some if it were to increase. No way could we afford the entire $55,000 sticker price.</p>
<p>When applying and filling out the school's required FA forms will we use the tax info from 2011 or will we estimate 2012? For us the 2011 will be about 20% more than 2012 so that could make a difference. When using the NPC I used the higher 2011 numbers because I would rather plan for a higher contribution than to bet on a lower one.</p>
<p>For an entering student in 2013 you will use 2012’s income. Looks like you have some leeway to help you later.</p>
<p>Since you will have a significant difference in income between 2011 and 2012, I think you are better off using 2012’s numbers as it will give a more accurate picture and cause you less trouble down the road.</p>
<p>Unless you have a complicated tax situation, by November or December you should be able to pretty accurately predict all of your 2012 information. Most if not all tax programs have preview editions out by then that will have the correct tables and what-not.</p>
<p>If you are self-employed it gets trickier, but I would still try to estimate the 2012 numbers as closely as possible.</p>
<p>CBGmass - just a heads up that there are some differences in wording on the CSS Profile if you apply ED. If you apply ED this Fall for the 2013 application year, the instructions on the CSS profile will instruct you to “use 2011 tax forms to estimate your 2012 income.” I went through this last year and had some of the same questions, so this thread may be helpful:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/1194278-css-profile-question-early-decision-applicants.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/1194278-css-profile-question-early-decision-applicants.html</a> </p>
<p>Aside from the CSS Profile, you should also be aware that the documentation requirements for specific schools will vary when you apply ED. For instance, some schools will ask you to submit the previous year’s tax forms (2011) when you apply ED in the Fall, while others will only want to see the tax forms for the year under consideration (2012), when they are completed in the Spring.</p>
<p>Thanks Erin’s Dad, notrichenough, and dukedad. This is exactly the info I was looking for.</p>