<p>I live in Canada and we usually get our tax returns in March at the earliest. Several of the American universities that I applied for want my 2013 tax returns by February 15. Out of the universities that I applied for, only MIT explained what to do if I don't have my 2013 tax returns. MIT said to mail my 2012 tax returns directly to MIT and mail my 2013 tax returns to IDOC when they arrive.</p>
<p>For universities in general, if I don't have my 2013 tax returns by their deadline, what do I do?</p>
<p>CAN you file your taxes earlier than March? When CAN you file them…not when DO you file…but when CAN you?</p>
<p>I can send my 2012 tax returns or send an estimate for 2013. Are you saying I should wait until I get my tax returns?
Also, when do Americans get their tax returns?</p>
<p>Americans don’t get their tax returns, Americans *give<a href=“file”>/I</a> their tax returns, filing no later than April 15, but returns can be filed as early as January 31 (this year).</p>
<p>Omni…once more! When can you FILE your income taxes? No one cares when you get your refund or when you usually do this. When CAN you FILE your 2013 income taxes in Canada. When does the form to do so become available?</p>
<p>Are you saying you usually GET your refund in March, or are you saying you usually FILE your return in March?</p>
<p>Americans can file their tax returns anytime before April 15. But when you have a kiddo who is going to be a freshman in college, it’s best to do this as soon as you have ALL of the documents to do so. Could be anytime after January 1, depending on what documents you need. </p>
<p>DH is Canadian (although we’ve lived in the US since 1993) and as I recall, the filing deadline is April 30. A quick Google reveals that the deadline for employers to issue T4s (W2 equivalent) is the end of February; presumably that timeframe also applies for 1099 equivalents, etc. So, yes, the OP/OP’s parents is/are very likely not to be able to file before early March. OP, I’d call the FA office of each US university directly and explain the situation and ask for further direction, if you haven’t already done so. </p>
<p>The rules in the US are that employers and other payees are supposed to get W-2s, and 1099s, and other such statements out by 1/31. But there are many who are in a situation where the numbers just aren’t done yet. If you invest in some foreign things, for instance, there are forms that don’t come out till close to the deadline date even with extension.</p>
<p>You can call the financial aid office or email them and ask what they suggest, what options they have available. I’ve known families here who have just filed as early as they possibly could, with some info and forms still missing and then they filed amended returns later because it was that important to them to be first in line for aid. Not recommending that , but that’s what some folks have done. </p>
<p>Are international students using the same forms and deadlines as US students?</p>
<p>International students who are not U.S. citizens cannot file the FAFSA. This student is likely talking about the Profile. Agreed, call the colleges and ask what to do.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies everyone. I have contacted a few universities. My past experience has been that it takes them about a week to respond, so it may be too late by the time they respond.</p>
<p>Canadians can file our tax return forms starting January, but we don’t get the official tax return letter until March. I’m assuming it’s the same in America: you send a form to the government starting in January, they do some fact-checking, and they return a letter stating your income, taxes paid, etc.
Maybe I’m understanding the financial aid requirements incorrectly. I’m using CollegeBoard’s IDOC service (part of Profile, not FAFSA). Do I send the tax return documents that we write or do I send the official tax return documents that the government sends back?</p>
<p>We Americans send what WE submit to the IRS. We do NOT send our tax refund information.</p>
<p>However, we wait for 1099s etc, and I have one that isn’t being mailed until the 15th of February, yet colleges require the IDOC cover letter package to be postmarked by then.</p>