What documents will I need before I can file a FAFSA?

It is not necessary to mail any additional documents in order to file a FAFSA, but there are several documents which you will need to have available for reference.

Note that you will need financial and tax information for the year preceding the academic year for which you are filing a FAFSA.

For example, to complete a FAFSA for the 2012-2013 academic year, you will need financial and tax information for 2011.

• You may need your W-2 forms for the previous year or other records of money earned.
• You may need your Federal Income Tax Return for the previous year. This may be IRS 1040, 1041A, 1040 EZ, or another form.
• You may need your parents' Federal Income Tax Return for the previous year if you are a dependent student.
• You may need your spouse's Federal Income Tax Return for the previous year if you are married.
• You may need your untaxed income records for the previous year.
• You may need your current bank statements and investment records.
• You may need your Social Security Card if you do not know your Social Security Number.
• You may need your driver's license if you have one.
• You may need your alien registration or permanent resident card if you are not a citizen of the United States.

Once you've collected these documents, you will be ready to begin filing your FAFSA online.