FAFSA Mistakes That You Must Avoid
Here is a list of mistakes that can be costly on your financial aid form. Avoid these mistakes and you should be okay! Just follow the directions and ask questions.
- The most frequent mistake made on the printed form is leaving a field blank. If the answer is zero or the question does not apply to you, write in a zero. If you leave a question blank, the processor will assume that you forgot to answer.
- Use the 1040 federal tax return for income reporting and reporting taxes paid. If you use your W-2 and 1099 forms, compare them with the previous years income tax return to make sure you did not overlook any source of income.
3.Don’t forget to report all the required sources of untaxed income. These include veterans’ noneducation benefits, child support and workers compensation or disability income.
- Report your correct marital status. If you plan to file as a married student, you must be married on or before the date that you sign your FAFSA.
- Include yourself in the household size. Even if you didn’t live there during the previous year, you should always include yourself as part of your parent’s household.
- Don’t forget to sign the application. If you’re filing as a dependent then both you and your parents must sign. If you file online, you and your parents can sign the form electronically using your FSA ID. this is very important and failure to do this will impede your award.
- Finally, remember to file on time! Do not procrastinate and hold off on filling out a Financial Aid form. The sooner you do it the sooner you will receive your aid.