Here are a few steps to help your students get ready:
- Create a StudentAid.gov Account – Students should set this up before starting their FAFSA application.
- Gather Required Documents – Ensure students have the following ready:
- 2023 tax returns (IRS retrieval tool means most people won’t actually need these)
- Records of child support received
- Bank and investment information
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Use the "Who's My FAFSA Parent?" Wizard – This tool helps students identify the correct parent(s) for the application.
- Prepare Contributor Information – Collect personal details for financial contributors (name, Social Security number, etc.).
By starting early and staying organized, students can complete their FAFSA on time.
https://unionrayo.com/us/requirement-students-graduate-fafsa/
https://www.nasfaa.org/news-item/35082/Houses_Passes_FAFSA_Deadline_Act
Tips for Students Preparing To Fill Out the FAFSA Form
Students should do the following to prepare for filling out the FAFSA form:
- Create a StudentAid.gov account (if they don't already have one).
- Have their documents ready (e.g., 2023 tax returns; records of child support received; current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts; and net worth of investments, businesses, and farms).
- Use the Who's My FAFSA Parent? wizard to identify which parent(s) will be a required contributor on their FAFSA form.
- Have their contributor information ready (e.g., first and last name, Social Security number [if they have one], date of birth, email address, and mailing address [if they don't have a Social Security number]).
Resources for Reference and Outreach
The resources below will be particularly useful as you prepare to help students with the FAFSA form. You can also browse our full selection of 2025–26 FAFSA resources.
- 2025–26 FAFSA® Prototype—Use the prototype to gain a deeper understanding of the 2025–26 FAFSA form user experience ahead of its release.
- 2025–26 FAFSA®Form Preview Presentation —Presentation providing screenshots of the online FAFSA form, which you can use as you create your own presentations for students and families.
- "FAFSA® Updates"—Financial Aid Toolkit page providing counselors and college access mentors with the latest forms and information associated with the FAFSA process.
- StudentAid.gov/fafsasupport—Announcement informing students and parents about 2025–26 FAFSA availability and resources. Send your students to this StudentAid.gov page, not to this Financial Aid Toolkit site.
Am I a contributor on my child's FAFSA® form? infographic—Image to help parents determine whether they'll be required to contribute information on their child's FAFSA form.
Information compiled by Toledo Tomorrow.