Tax Return for Which Year for FAFSA?
Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2017 6:38 pm
Hello all,
I earned a significantly lower income in 2017 versus 2016 and so would prefer to submit my 2017 tax return to FAFSA, as I imagine this would qualify me for a more advantageous loan package. (I'm turning 29 in a couple of days & so don't need to submit my parents' information.)
FAFSA is asking for my 2016 return, but I wonder if that's just because 2017 is not over yet? If I wait until January/February/March to complete FAFSA, will I be able to use my 2017 return? Or will it be the 2016 return no matter what, so I might as well get this taken care of now?
I've received one acceptance so far - a full ride - but it's still highly possible that I'll need to take out some loans.
Thanks -- this is the beginning of my financial aid research journey so I apologize if this question reflects my ignorance...
I earned a significantly lower income in 2017 versus 2016 and so would prefer to submit my 2017 tax return to FAFSA, as I imagine this would qualify me for a more advantageous loan package. (I'm turning 29 in a couple of days & so don't need to submit my parents' information.)
FAFSA is asking for my 2016 return, but I wonder if that's just because 2017 is not over yet? If I wait until January/February/March to complete FAFSA, will I be able to use my 2017 return? Or will it be the 2016 return no matter what, so I might as well get this taken care of now?
I've received one acceptance so far - a full ride - but it's still highly possible that I'll need to take out some loans.
Thanks -- this is the beginning of my financial aid research journey so I apologize if this question reflects my ignorance...