<p>Currently I am in the midst of filling out for FAFSA..which is kind of confusing. It's asking me for 2010 tax income forms but we only have 2009's (last year's) at home..my Mom hasn't even gotten her statement from work in the mail yet (knowing her I HIGHLY doubt she will file them anytime soon)...and I really would like to get my FAFSA filled out asap. The deadlines for the colleges I am applying to are either on Feb 15 or March 1...so are you supposed to have your FAFSA completed by the school's application deadline? or are you allowed to send it in later when you receive the forms? Because to be honest, this is completely out of my control...and I don't know what to do!!! I'd highly appreciate some help or advice. Thanks :)</p>
<p>File by the schools’ deadlines. For 2010 tax information, use online information and end -of-year financial reports and pay stubs. The FAFSA form asks your tax filing status; indicate “Will file.” When your mom’s taxes are done, correct your submitted FAFSA with updated numbers from the actual 2010 tax forms. This is not the year for your mom to not file until April 15!</p>
<p>The 2011-2012 FAFSA became available for online submission on January 1, 2011. You should do it in keeping with the deadline for the schools to which you are applying. If the school has a January or February deadline…here’s what you do.</p>
<p>File your FAFSA using a “will file” status which means you WILL file your taxes but have not yet done so. Use the BEST possible estimates based on your end of year pay stubs, interest statements etc. Then submit it to the school(s).</p>
<p>Do your taxes as soon as reasonably possible after Feb 1 when you have all of your 2010 documentation. Go back IN to the FAFSA website and amend your FAFSA to reflect the figures from your 2010 completed tax return and resubmit to the college(s). Change your status to “taxes completed”. </p>
<p>This is the year you want to get your taxes done as soon as possible. It is NOT the year to wait until April 15th to complete your taxes.</p>
<p>You need to estimate for 2010. You should try to be as accurate as possible, because any aid they offer you based on your estimates is subject to change when they get the final numbers, which you will eventually have to provide. Ask your mom if she can do a quick draft of her taxes based on pay stubs and other information she may be able to pull together before all her paperwork arrives.</p>
<p>When you put in the 2010 estimates, you will put down that your mom “will file” her taxes but has not already done so. When she does (ASAP) you need to go back in to the FAFSA, change the status to “filed” and put in the exact numbers from the tax forms in at that time. </p>
<p>Note that you are supposed to put accurate numbers in for the assets (including bank account balances) as of the day you first file the FAFSA even if you have to estimate income, taxes, etc.</p>