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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...

The amount you earned is really, really unlikely to limit your ability to take out enough loans.

ETA: the only time this would likely have an impact is if it was a really big difference and we were talking need-based calculations at HYS.

You have to submit the 2016 tax return with the 2018-19 FAFSA. No option to choose 2017 instead.

https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/about/anno ... sa-changes