You may use any one of these methods to apply for federal student aid, but do not submit more than one application.

Also note the following:

If you are filing a 2008 income tax return,we recommend that you complete your tax return before filling out the 2009-2010 FAFSA. Note that you do not have to actually send your tax return to the IRS before filling out the FAFSA. You can submit your FAFSA using estimated income and tax information. However, after you file your tax return you must correct any income or tax information that is different from what you submitted on your original FAFSA. Submit or mail your 2009-2010 FAFSA no earlier than January 1, 2009and no later than June 30, 2010.You should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) within three weeks. Carefully review all of the information on the SAR to make sure it is correct. Follow directions for making and submitting corrections promptly. If you do not receive a SAR within three weeks, or if you have questions about your SAR, refer to the page. TIP: You can check the status of your application by selecting under the FAFSA Follow-Upsection of the home page.

If you or your family have unusual circumstances (such as loss of employment) that might affect your eligibility for federal student aid, check with the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend.

What records do I need to complete my FAFSA?

In order to successfully complete a FAFSA, you will need information from one or more of the documents listed on the page.

What do I need to keep in mind when filling out the FAFSA?

11071981What are the deadlines for applying?

Federal student aid deadlines

You should apply as early as possible. Submitting your FAFSA is only the first step in applying for federal student aid.

State student aid deadlines

State deadlines may be earlier than the federal deadlines. Your state may also require an additional form.

School aid deadlines

Schools may have their own deadlines and applications for awarding student aid. Check with your school’s financial aid office for information.

For more information on federal, state and school deadlines, select Application Deadlines.

TIP: January 1 is the first date that you are eligible to file the FAFSA. Try to submit the form as close as possible to this date since school, state and private aid deadlines may be earlier than federal deadlines.

Why is it important to submit accurate information?

WARNING:You must fill out this form accurately. The information that you supply can be verified by your school, your state, or by Federal Student Aid.

You may be asked to provide U.S. income tax returns and other information. If you cannot or do not provide these records to your school when asked, you may not get federal student aid.

If you get federal student aid based on incorrect information, you will have to pay it back. You may also have to pay fines and fees. If you purposely give false or misleading information on your application, you may be fined $20,000, sent to prison, or both.