<p>I'm slightly confused about the CSS profile. It asks for estimated income for 2014 using the 2013 forms. Does that mean I should put down what my parents earned in 2013 (because colleges will be looking at the faxed copy of our 2013 tax forms) or what they expect to earn in 2014 (because our income is very different from what it was like last year)?</p>
<p>For the 2014 numbers you estimate. The 2013 tax forms could be a starting point but if you know 2014 is different you need to adjust the numbers as best you can. The schools may be asking for faxed 2013 forms now, but at least some will be asking for 2014 forms to be sent in early February after 2014 taxes have been filed. Check for if, how and when your schools want the 2014 tax forms sent. Some schools may just use the 2014 income you report on fafsa when you file it in January/early February. But you want the 2014 info you submit now to be as close as possible to what your 2014 tax filing will report.</p>