<p>Do the colleges base their financial aid on the css profile that we fill out? I've noticed that a lot of things on it were "estimating" what the income will be in 2009--does it need to be that exact? =/ Might sound like blasphemy, but don't they require us to submit our tax return forms anyway to measure how much finaid we will be getting?
So, I guess my question is... does it hurt at all (do we get.. penalized?) if the amount you write in your css forms are different from the actual amount your parents do earn in 2009? I'm doing early decision, by the way.</p>
<p>anyone?? help :(</p>
<p>My understanding is, after you file your 2009 tax return, you need to amend the CCS with your college, they will do the adjustment accordingly. So the closer your estimate to your actual the better, you will not be surprised after the adjustment.</p>
<p>I suggest you post this on the Financial Aid forum, you should get more answere over there.</p>
<p>I see. Thank you!</p>
<p>If you’re applying ED/EA and the college requires the financial aid forms filled out by ED deadline, then estimate your family income as recommended. Like a_mom said, you will most likely be told to fill out another form some time in Feb or April for any updated tax return information. If you’re applying regular, I would just wait until later to fill out the css profile.</p>