<p>One of my schools just says, fax your tax returns to this number [fax number here]. It doesn't even give guidelines for a coversheet, or how to label it. As a general convention, how would you label the thing? Do I write my name and identifying info like SSN and ID number for the school itself in a little box off to the side? Though since I am still a dependeng, I am listed on the form itself, I would imagine it is weird to just get a tax form with no heading at the top. Any tips?</p>
<p>Also, when they want a signed tax return, that signature is just for parents right? (assuming the tax return is their's)? The college wouldn't expect a student's signature as well on a parent's tax return is what I am assuming. Is that right, or do they want us to verify it also by signing it?</p>
<p>One college told us to write the student’s name and DOB in LARGE letters across the top of the return, so that’s what we did for all of them. No cover. It wouldn’t hurt to call the school a day or two later, just to make sure they received it and it’s in your file.</p>
<p>You’re correct, your signature wouldn’t be required on your parent’s return. Make sure their signatures are on it. If you filed a return, that should have your signature, but not theirs.</p>
<p>Ok. I would be faxing sort of close to the deadline–I initially messed up the keeping track of the deadlines. The due dates for the FAFSA, CSS and tax returns are sometimes so different from each other, so sometimes there are up to three dates to keep track of for each school. So if anyone needs tips, keep track of those dates! </p>
<p>Thanks for answering, LasMa. By the way, faxing usually does not fail, am I correct? If I faxed it before the due date, and I call after the due date and they say they don’t have it is that a huge problem?</p>
<p>My experience with faxes is that they’re not 100% reliable. Even if they go through, it’s always possible that they’ll be misplaced on the other end. So when it’s something really important like this, I always keep the fax transmission confirmation that prints out on my end. Check to see that it shows the date & time, number faxed to, and says “OK” or some similar indication that it transmitted successfully. Then file it in with your FA paperwork.</p>
<p>If it’s important, I also always do a follow-up call. Even if you call after the due date, they’ll be able to see when you actually sent it, and that’s what counts. If you call after the due date, and they DON’T have it, confirm that you have the correct fax number, and tell them that you’ll re-fax it along with the original transmission confirmation (the one you filed). Then do another follow-up to make sure they got it.</p>