Two Major Changes to the 2017–18 FAFSA

• The FAFSA launched on October 1, three months earlier than in previous years. Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible to maximize your financial aid.
• The FAFSA now requires last year’s (2015) tax information. This makes it easier to complete your FAFSA! Since you have already filed your 2015 taxes, you can electronically import your tax information directly into the FAFSA. This is fast, accurate, and reduces the amount of paperwork that may be required by your school. 

What happens if I wait to fill out the FAFSA?

You could miss out on lots of money for college. Some states and schools have limited financial aid to offer and some types of aid are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Fill out the FAFSA right now if you want to get as much financial aid as possible! (Even if your deadlines aren’t for a while.)

If I fill out the FAFSA now, will I have to update it after I file 2016 taxes?

No. For your 2017–18 FAFSA, you only provide 2015 tax information. You do NOT provide 2016 tax information, even after you’ve filed 2016 taxes.

What if my income has gone down since 2015? Can I report my 2016 tax info instead?

No. You do not have the option to report your 2016 info on your FAFSA. We understand that for some families, 2015 income information may not accurately reflect your current financial situation. If you have experienced a loss of income since the 2015 tax year, complete the FAFSA with your 2015 info, and then contact the financial aid office at your school to explain and document your change in income. They have the ability to review your situation and may consider making adjustments to your FAFSA.

For more information on the FAFSA changes, go to StudentAid.gov/fafsa-changes. To start the FAFSA, go to fafsa.gov.