<p>what if 2005 forms don't arrive until end of january? how am i supposed to file the fafsa?</p>
<p>Estimate off of the end of the year paystubs.</p>
<p>Get the 2004 tax returns, check against the paystubs to see how much more money you made in 2005. Increase the taxes paid by a similar percentage. That should get you close.</p>
<p>what if the incomes from 04 and 05 differ a bit. how do the colleges find out?</p>
<p>You'll need to go back and correct the estimates (update the FAFSA) as soon as you have your taxes completed (not necessarily filed). So complete the forms as soon as possible.</p>
<p>oh i see. same with css, right?</p>
<p>CSS doesn't actually get updated unless you add schools. The schools may ask for your tax returns directly however.</p>
<p>hmm..so i can use the 2004 forms to estimate 2005 incomes and dont have to update once I get the real 2005 forms?</p>
<p>no
PROFILE is often required earlier than FAFSA- check with your school
You cannot correct PROFILE- but some students correct a hard copy and send it in.
Schools will often have their own forms as well.
For FAFSA- it is important to meet the deadline- even if you don't have updated info.
Get the info as soon as you can- then update FAFSA
It is important that schools have as accurate of info as you can give them, so yes you do need to update your info
Once you have accepted a package- schools will probably want your tax forms to verify your documentation.</p>
<p>the deadlines for colleges that i applied to are in March. Does it matter if i file ASAP as long as I file before the deadline? (ie do they start handing out aid before the deadline?)</p>
<p>Most often, schools will batch process all COMPLETED files they have at the time of the priority FA deadline. You are generally safe if you submit a couple weeks before that date.</p>
<p>Remember, the DOE has to process your FAFSA and get it out to the schools. The longer you wait, the busier and slower everyone will be.</p>