<p>I recently completed everything I need for transferring - or at least I thought I did. On the USConnect, it says the school received my CSS profile and my FAFSA, but it says it requires tax returns for both student and parent from 2011, signatures, and corrections. So, I went back to my FAFSA and got my parents to put their pin for the signature and fixed what I needed to, but I don't know what is up with the tax returns because my 2011-2012 file is already submitted. Does it just take a while for USC to update the status? I'm just a little worried because I don't want to leave something small out that will cost me my chances of getting money. I went back to the website to make sure there weren't missing spots and it says I successfully submitted all of it to USC...Also, it says my transcripts haven't been received yet. I sent out my college transcript like on Jan. 20th and I faxed my high school to request to send my transcript to USC before Feb. 1, but the site says it's not in yet. Am I freaking out for no reason? I'm going to call USC and my high school to make sure they at least have it or not...</p>
<p>The tax returns are not generated by the FAFSA. The tax return copies being requested are the ones your parents do every year and submit to the IRS (Internal Revenue Service).</p>
<p>After you and your parents complete and submit (to the IRS) your taxes for 2011, you will print out a copy (if you did computer/online submission to the IRS), make a photocopy (if you completed your taxes by hand), or be sure your tax preparer (if any) makes an additional copy for this purpose and either upload to USConnect, FAX, mail or hand-deliver them the USC financial aid. Uploading is a very convenient way to do it - you will enter info directly to USConnect and then receive a request to upload a day or so later. *If you print out copies, be SURE to sign them - USC requires SIGNED copies.</p>
<p>The tax returns are requested by March 2nd so that USC can complete financial aid packages in a timely manner, but they understand that some applicants may not be able to submit them until later if they are not filing until later. That will not affect the amount of your aid, but no packages will be presented until you have submitted tax returns, Transfer applicants receive their packages in June and July, so if you get your returns in by April you should be fine. (FRESHMEN applicants reading - get them in in MARCH if possible!!!)</p>