Terribly Confused About "IDOC" and Tax Returns

Paying for College
1

<p>I thought that with the completion of the FAFSA and the CSS, all of the financial aid procedures were done and done. However, after diving into my student aplication portals, I learnt that many schools also want tax forms, submitted through CollegeBoard's IDOC service.</p>

<p>But here is where I become terribly confused. Many of my schools that desire these tax forms want them by Feburary 1st, and the IDOC doesn't even become available until early February! How are we supposed to submit? Is is that schools normally want the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE on Feburary 1st, and the tax forms are accepted later, or you have to scan them and email them? Am I even understanding IDOC properly? </p>

<p>I understand many schools have their own procedures, but what is usually done?</p>

<p>Thank you so much - I don't have much time left!</p>

2

<p>Check with the colleges asking for tax returns again. They most likely just want the FAFSA and CSS by February 1st. Just submit your tax returns as soon as IDOC is available, and you should be fine. In the meantime, I mailed off my parents’ tax forms to colleges that want them but don’t use IDOC. </p>