Being
prepared will make the FAFSA application process easier—and faster. Here’s
what you’ll need to have on hand for yourself, your spouse (if you’re
married) and/or your parents (if you’re a dependent student): 1. Social
Security number
2. Alien
registration number (if you’re not a U.S. citizen)
3. Federal
tax returns, including W2s (Applying for the 2023–2024 college year? Use
2021 income information.)
4. Records
of untaxed income (like child support)
5. Bank
records (cash, savings, checking account balances)
6. Investment
information (such as stocks/bonds not in a qualified retirement
plan, or investment property)
7. Your
colleges: You must list at least 1
college to receive your information. You may update your choices later to
receive aid at a different school.
8. If you own a home,
please know how much is owed (check with your bank) and what you think it might
be worth if you sold it today.
9. If you own a small business and/or a family
farm, please collect value of and debt against those assets as well.