The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens on October 1, and for many families, it marks the official start of the financial aid process. Submitting the FAFSA early gives students the best chance at receiving grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal loans. The good news? With the right preparation, filling it out is much less overwhelming.

Here’s a checklist of what to gather before October 1 to make the process smoother:

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1. FSA ID (Federal Student Aid ID)

Both the student and one parent will need to create an FSA ID at studentaid.gov. This ID acts as your electronic signature for the FAFSA. Do this early—it can take a couple of days to process.

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2. Social Security Numbers

• Student’s Social Security Number (SSN)
• Parent(s)’ Social Security Number(s)
  Tip: If the student is not a U.S. citizen but is eligible, they may need their Alien Registration Number instead.

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3. Driver’s License or State ID (Student)

Not always required, but it’s helpful to have on hand for accurate identification.

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4. Tax Returns and W-2s

The FAFSA uses what’s called “prior-prior year” taxes. For the 2025–26 school year, families will need 2023 tax information.

• Parent(s)’ federal tax return (Form 1040)
• Student’s tax return, if they filed
• W-2 forms or records of earned income

Good news: The FAFSA can often import this data directly through the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.

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5. Records of Untaxed Income

This can include:

• Child support received
• Interest income
• Veterans non-education benefits

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6. Bank and Investment Statements

Gather current balances for:

• Checking and savings accounts
• Investment accounts (stocks, bonds, 529 plans)
• Real estate other than the primary home

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7. List of Colleges

Students can list up to 20 colleges on the FAFSA. Have a draft list ready—even if it’s not final—so your student’s information reaches those schools.

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Final Tips for Families

• Start early: Don’t wait until the deadline. Some aid is first-come, first-served.
• Stay organized: Keep a folder with all documents and logins in one place.
• Double-check accuracy: Errors can delay processing and financial aid offers.

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Final Thought
Completing the FAFSA is one of the most important steps in the college journey. By gathering these documents before October 1, families can reduce stress, submit early, and put their student in the best position to maximize financial aid.