If you're heading to college next year, completing and filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is likely on your and your parents’ minds. It’s best to stop thinking and start doing—you should try to file the FAFSA as close to its opening date as possible, as most aid is administered on a first-come, first-served basis and can run out. While the federal government has made the whole filing process much easier, there are still some key things to remember when completing the FAFSA. Here’s everything you need to know.
1. Gather the appropriate information
Before you dive into the FAFSA, make sure you have all the required documentation. This includes:
- Social Security numbers for the student and any contributors
- Alien Registration Number (if you are not a US citizen)
- Driver’s license (optional but helpful)
- W-2s or tax documents only if IRS Direct Data Exchange cannot retrieve your data
- Records of applicable untaxed income
- Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
- An FSA ID for each contributor so they can log in and complete their portion
- List of schools you’re interested in attending
If you’re a parent filing the FAFSA for your student, they will also need to provide many of the above documents.
Related: The Most Important Things to Know About Upcoming FAFSA Changes
2. File a new FAFSA each year
Even if this is your fourth time around, you need to file a new FAFSA with current information each year. The amount of money you’re offered for each FAFSA application lasts for one academic year, so for each year you plan on being in college, you will need to reapply for federal aid. And be sure to use the correct form online; for example, in 2026, you would file the FAFSA for the 2027–2028 school year.
3. Complete and file early
Get your calendar out, because you have important deadlines to write down. You can begin filling out the FAFSA on the day that it opens, and you should file as soon as possible after that date to avoid missing out on potential aid. If you’re not able to file early, be sure to check with the admission and financial aid office at each of the schools you’re applying to. While the official deadline to file the FAFSA is June 30, you need to meet the deadlines set by each of the schools on your list.
4. Remember your state and school deadlines too
In addition to the federal FAFSA deadline, it's crucial to stay aware of both your state and school-specific financial aid deadlines. Many states and colleges offer their own grants, scholarships, or financial aid programs that also require the FAFSA but may have much earlier deadlines than the federal one. Missing these deadlines could mean losing out on significant financial support, even if you meet the federal deadline. Check with your high school counselor, the financial aid office at your college(s) of interest, and your state’s financial aid website to ensure you file on time for all opportunities.
5. Don't worry about tax information
Before the FAFSA Simplification Act, students and families used the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to pull tax information into the FAFSA. The new system is even easier. The FAFSA now uses IRS Direct Data Exchange, which automatically transfers tax information for each contributor once they provide consent. This means you generally don’t need to gather tax returns or manually enter financial details—DDX handles it for you. The automatic transfer reduces errors, saves time, and eliminates the stress of making sure tax information is entered correctly.
6. Know which parent should file
For students with divorced, separated, or unmarried parents, the FAFSA now determines which parent must be listed based on financial support—not custody. Under the FAFSA Simplification Act, the parent who provided the greater portion of the student’s financial support in the last 12 months is the contributor who must complete the FAFSA. If neither parent provided support in the past year, the parent who provided the greater share of support most recently is used.
If that parent is married, their spouse is also considered a contributor, and the FAFSA requires the spouse’s financial information as well. Each contributor must create their own FSA ID and provide consent for IRS Direct Data Exchange so their tax information can be transferred automatically.
7. Don’t omit information
One of the most common FAFSA mistakes is failing to complete all required questions. The new FAFSA uses dynamic skip logic, so you’ll only see questions that apply to you—but every question that appears must be answered. If a field requires a number, the form will prompt you to enter one, and if a question doesn’t apply to your situation, it will either be skipped automatically or clearly marked. Avoid leaving anything incomplete, and follow the form’s prompts rather than entering “0” or “N/A” on your own.
Related: Financial Aid Application Mistakes Can Cost You
8. Send to all your schools of interest
Lindsey Conger, an independent college counselor at Moon Prep, always reminds families to send the FAFSA to all schools a student is considering. Initially, you can list up to 20 schools on your FAFSA. After your FAFSA Submission Summary is available, you can remove schools and add new ones if you’re applying to more than 20. Each newly added school will automatically receive your FAFSA information, but you’ll need to manage the add/remove process yourself if your college list exceeds the 20‑school limit.
9. Always complete the FAFSA
Even if you feel your family’s income is high, it’s still worth completing the FAFSA. As Joe DePaulo, co-founder and CEO of College Ave Student Loans notes, “Many factors—not just household income—go into determining how much aid students receive.” The FAFSA Simplification Act now uses a streamlined formula that focuses on tax information and certain types of financial support, and many students qualify for aid that isn’t based on financial need. Minimally, DePaulo says most undergraduate students qualify for Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and since access to these loans is not need-based, your income doesn’t matter. Plus, if you do need to borrow, Federal Direct Loans are the best place to start since they have low fixed interest rates and repayment protections compared to private loans.
10. Sign with your FSA ID
Do not skip this step! When completing the FAFSA, every required contributor must sign electronically using their own FSA ID. Contributors include the student, the parent who provided the most financial support, and that parent’s spouse if applicable. The FAFSA cannot be processed until each contributor logs in, provides consent for IRS Direct Data Exchange, and signs the form. If any required signature is missing, the FAFSA remains incomplete, and the student may miss out on federal aid.
Related: Things You Need to Do Before Filing the FAFSA
There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to filling out the FAFSA. Make sure you’re armed with all the knowledge you need to fill out your application efficiently and as accurately as possible. Being meticulous, careful, and timely with the FAFSA will ensure you get the best aid offers possible.
While you’re completing the FAFSA, don’t forget about outside scholarships too! Find free money using our Scholarship Search tool.
