<p>So, my silly self just found out today that I need to fill out the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE using 2012 tax return information. My parents told me that they won't be able to file it until the end of February. So, do I just estimate the values on the FAFSA and CSS and update them later? If so, what do I do with the IDOC reporting service? Will I upload my parents 2011 tax returns and update colleges later?</p>
<p>I'm so confused.</p>
<p>Is there a reason they aren’t able to file until end of Feb? My parents didn’t really understand at first, but I’ve needled them into filing end of Jan.</p>
<p>But yes, for now, you can estimate values for the CSS profile and FAFSA. On FAFSA, simply use ‘will file’ and update later once the tax return is filed.</p>
<p>Lots of people can’t file until later. I can’t, for instance. I have a business return that needs to be completed by my accountant, and that feeds numbers into my personal federal return. Won’t have the documentation to even send to the accountant until late January (need interest 1099s from a few different sources). Then the accountant has to do his thing and send it back. Likely it will be late Feb at the earliest that I could get it done, more likely to be March.</p>
<p>Yes, most people in this situation use last year’s data on the CSS Profile and FAFSA and send it in, then provide corrections later on. I don’t think you need to send 2011 tax returns unless the college asks for it. You need to send the 2012 returns as soon as they are available, though. Not all the data on the CSS Profile and FAFSA are on tax returns anyway. They have a lot of questions about how much you and your parents have in various savings accounts, too. You can do that part accurately.</p>
<p>So, is it acceptable to fill out both forms with 2011 data or will we need to estimate values for 2012 until then?</p>
<p>Estimating 2012 is best. For some people it is pretty much the same as 2011, so that is super easy. For some people it is not (mine is not this year). Your parents just need to do the best they can.</p>
<p>Thank you so much, intparent and purpleacorn!</p>