<p>It is normal for first-time FAFSA filers to be baffled by the instructions. That’s why I recommend printing out the formula itself, and then working through it on paper. Doing this will help you and your parents understand how the formula works, and will show you exactly the kind of information that you need to have on hand. <a href=“http://www.ifap.ed.gov/efcformulaguide/attachments/082511EFCFormulaGuide1213.pdf[/url]”>http://www.ifap.ed.gov/efcformulaguide/attachments/082511EFCFormulaGuide1213.pdf</a></p>
<p>As for the AGI, if your mom isn’t the one who normally takes charge of the tax returns, I can see how she’d be confused. The AGI comes right off your parents’ income tax return. They probably haven’t filed yet for 2011, but they should have the one from 2010 around somewhere. If their income didn’t change much in 2011, you can use the 2010 information for the preliminary FAFSA. If income did change in 2011, your parents should be able to estimate what their AGI will be for 2011 by gathering up their last pay stubs, bank statements, etc. and then working through the 2011 federal tax return. Everything you and your parents need to know about the federal tax returns is right at [Internal</a> Revenue Service](<a href=“http://www.irs.gov%5DInternal”>http://www.irs.gov)</p>