<p>I have tried filing my FAFSA application to finish it asap but it seems like it would be much easier if I just wait until my mom finishes her tax forms. She says she could get it done by end of January or early February. I have tried researching on this and I read over and over that waiting too long will jeopardize the amount of financial aid you are able to receive. I also read about filing before your school's priority deadline and that I can do for sure because I applied to only UCs and Cal States(March 2nd). </p>
<p>So....my question is......would waiting until January 30/early February to fill out the online FAFSA application be waiting too long to fill out the form if I'm relying on federal aid to be a significant way for me to pay for college despite getting the form in time by the March 2nd priority deadline?</p>
<p>Same here. W-2s are expected only by end of Jan'08 without which one cannot file the Taxes. I will have to wait until then. Not sure about others, would like to hear from others too. And if some one can also say this is in-general the case with most.</p>
<p>well you could fill it out now from your last paycheck of the year. And then make corrections when you get the w-2.</p>
<p>I have heard people say both, that you can get it in mid Feb and be OK, and others say definitely get it in as soon as possible after Jan 1. The first one I did was around mid January (I did not know about getting a PIN beforehand). </p>
<p>Once your kid is at college, the second year is better, generally you have to fill out the finaid paperwork each year but the upperclassman usually have later deadlines.</p>
<p>But you can definitely use your last paycheck for a very close estimate.</p>
<p>Check the deadline for your school. If it is before the end of January, file using estimates and update and amend after you file your taxes. If the deadline is after your taxes are done, do it then. BUT do not wait for a long time. You want to have everything submitted as soon as possible after Feb 1 (if your deadline allows this).</p>