<p>My Dad's 2009 tax returns won't be ready in time to fill out Fafsa and CSS so we are doing a lot based on estimates. However, it is kind of difficult to just base it off of 2008 because he made A LOT less this past year; thank you recession. When I select which college I will attend, will I just mail a copy of 2009 tax returns to verify the financial aid offer that accompanied my theoretical acceptance?</p>
<p>If he made a lot less you’d probably be better off submitting estimates based on his latest 2009 paystubs, interest/earnings statements, etc. Using 2008 tax figures really only makes sense if 2009 was mostly similar.</p>
<p>For CSS schools, you will be asked to submit 2009 tax forms and w-2s, 1099s, etc. Whether or not FAFSA-only schools will ask for a copy of your tax return (or other documents) depends on whether you’re chosen for verification. But if you’re dealing with CSS schools, it’ll be required regardless.</p>
<p>You will have to go in and correct FAFSA to reflect the actual tax return once it is complete. No federal aid can be disbursed until it is accurate. I believe CSS has to be corrected manually (ie can’t be done online). </p>
<p>You should follow a school’s instructions on what they require as far as copies of tax returns. FAFSA only schools will generally only ask for copies of returns if you are selected for verification.</p>
<p>This is all blowing my mind. I just finished the CSS, and I have quite a few forms for each school to send. ugh! Our 2009 returns won’t be ready for months, and that is what they want sent since I we did estimates. Can I mail the 2009 forms in April?</p>
<p>Thank God! Okay, my dad says that he should have '09 returns ready by mid February. I was really confused. I need to send 2009 returns, 2008 returns, and 2009 W-2 forms. Two schools want a copy of a trust form created by my deceased grandfather, and we have no earthly idea how to obtain that document. Hopefully, they won’t penalize me for not sending that form. If I am fill out the Fafsa and later send 2009 tax returns, will I have to send it again (or more documents) upon acceptance and deposit to my chosen school? I hope I am making sense. All I see on the screen are convoluted sentences and fear of not getting financial aid. haha Thanks to all who are helping!!</p>
<p>If you are completing the FAFSA AFTER you complete the tax returns, and send whatever the schools also want (tax returns, w2 forms, etc) then your financial aid application should be complete. Just make sure that EVERYTHING the school requires is submitted on time.</p>
<p>Sometimes students are selected for “verification” of their financial aid application. If that happens, the schools will TELL you what to send them for additional material.</p>