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<p>You can always fill out the FAFSA as soon as Jan 1 with estimates. You will just have to go back in later once you have actually filed your taxes with actual numbers. You should really check the deadlines for your schools. For example, I have a sophomore in college, so since he is a returning student, the fafsa is not due until mid march, however I also have a hs senior, and most of the schools she is applying to have a Feb 1st deadline, so I will file by 2/1. </p>
<p>Unfortunately with all of the shenanigans going on in DC, the IRS has said that they will probably not process returns until late March, since they have to do a lot of programming for the new rules. So most everyone will probably have to go back into the FAFSA in march or april to verify their info so that their tax transcript is verified to the financial aid office. The problem is that is the same time most FA offices are sending out offer letters for incoming freshman. So it will be a MESS this year…</p>