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FAFSA Filing Checklist

Step-by-step guide to filing the FAFSA. Check off each step as you complete it. Your progress is saved locally.

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Go to studentaid.gov and click 'Create Account'
Use a personal email address (not school email)
Each person needs their own unique email
Write down your username and password -- you will need them every year
The parent FSA ID is required to sign the application

FSA ID can take up to 3 days to verify. Create it BEFORE you start the FAFSA.

Social Security numbers (student + parents)
Driver's license (if you have one)
Federal tax returns from 2 years prior (e.g., 2024 taxes for 2026-27 FAFSA)
W-2 forms and other records of income
Bank statements (checking, savings, investment balances)
Records of untaxed income (child support, interest income, etc.)
List of schools you want to receive your FAFSA (up to 20)

The FAFSA uses tax data from TWO years prior. For the 2026-27 FAFSA, you need 2024 tax returns.

When you reach the financial section, choose 'Link to IRS'
It will redirect you to the IRS site to verify identity
Tax data is pulled automatically -- less chance of errors
If DRT is unavailable, manually enter from your tax return
DRT reduces your chance of being selected for verification by ~60%

If you or your parents filed an amended return, the DRT may not be available. You will need to enter tax info manually.

Section 1: Student demographics (name, DOB, SSN, citizenship)
Section 2: School selection (add up to 20 schools -- order does NOT matter)
Section 3: Dependency status (most students under 24 are 'dependent')
Section 4: Parent information (income, assets, household size)
Section 5: Student financials (your income, savings, investments)
Review all entries before signing -- especially income numbers

Student signs first with their FSA ID
Parent signs second with their FSA ID
Both signatures are required for a dependent student
You will receive a confirmation number -- save it
Confirmation email arrives within 24-48 hours

Unsigned FAFSAs are the most common processing delay. Make sure BOTH sign.

SAR arrives via email or is available at studentaid.gov
Check for errors -- especially income, household size, school list
The SAI (Student Aid Index) replaces the old EFC
Lower SAI = more need-based aid eligibility
If there are errors, correct and resubmit ASAP

Separate grants (free money) from loans (debt)
Calculate the true net cost at each school
Check if the school meets full demonstrated need
Look for merit scholarships on top of need-based aid
Use AdmitPath's Aid Comparison tool for side-by-side analysis

Compare aid offers