<p>Ok, so I am a rising senior and I know that we can start filling out the FAFSA in January, right? But doesn't no one have their tax reports done till April? So how can you fill it out earlier? Do you just put predicted income or last year's income or what?</p>
<p>Also, it asks for employment (my employment). I had a really short job working at a restaurant. Will this help or hurt me on the FAFSA form? Also, if it hurts me, do I actually have to put it down, or is it sort of insignificant?</p>
<p>Thanks, I would really appreciate some help on this.</p>
<p>
[quote]
But doesn't no one have their tax reports done till April?
[/quote]
It is very possible to get them done earlier. All Tax documentation is supposed to be mailed to you/your parents by Jan 31st. Only if your tax situation is very complicated would it be impossible to do it till April. Before the FAFSA days my husband would file our taxes April 15th (that was fun the year he was hospitalized in intensive care on the 14th) This year we filed early Feb.</p>
<p>
[quote]
So how can you fill it out earlier? Do you just put predicted income or last year's income or what?
[/quote]
If it is impossible to get your taxes complete you can file estimated numbers on FAFSA and correct them later. If you know the income is likely to be higher or lower than the previous year use your best guesstimate.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Also, it asks for employment (my employment). I had a really short job working at a restaurant. Will this help or hurt me on the FAFSA form? Also, if it hurts me, do I actually have to put it down, or is it sort of insignificant?
[/quote]
Yes you must actually put it down. Do not lie or omit things on FAFSA. It is a federal form. The penalties for deliberately false information can be severe. However students have an income protection of a little over $3200 so anything up to that will not affect your EFC. Anything over that 50% goes to the EFC.</p>
<p>I am not understanding these deadlines. Please PM me =[
Thank you</p>
<p>What deadlines are you talking about?</p>
<p>The year you are going to be filing your first FAFSA is NOT the year to file your taxes on April 15. It is the year to file them as soon as possible after January 31. In addition, you and your family should keep excellent records as you can file an estimated FAFSA (using a "will file" status) using final pay stubs, bank account info, etc. anytime after January 1. If you do an estimated/will file, you will then complete your taxes AS SOON AS POSSIBLE after January 31 and amend the FAFSA you submitted as an estimate.</p>
<p>Repeat...DO NOT WAIT UNTIL APRIL 15 TO DO THOSE 2008 TAXES. Do them as soon as possible after January 31.</p>
<p>Okay, much thanks!</p>