Financial Aid emergency question

thumper1
Sat, 12 Dec 2009 13:38:58 +0000

expats don’t have to file for 2008 until December 15th (this week), so could not get them in.



No…you don’t HAVE to file until December 15, but it would be prudent to get this done ASAP. RE: the FAFSA and Profile for your student who will be starting in fall 2010, you will need to provide 2009 tax information as stated by others above. You probably should plan to have your taxes done a LOT earlier than December 15 2010!

Remember, that schools will provide you with an estimated financial aid award based on your estimated tax information, but until you COMPLETE the taxes and amend the forms to reflect the numbers on the finaid application forms (whatever the school requires) and in some cases SEND them your completed and signed tax returns…your child’s financial aid package will not be finalized or dispersed.

I have heard that some expats have asked for an extension to complete their taxes during the summer. This would still give the school a little time to make adjustments to the aid based on your ACTUAL tax return information. AND yes…adjustments DO get made once the information is finalized.

So…If it were me, I would contact the school financial aid office (the schools you listed are need blind for admissions so the admissions office won’t hear about your call) and explain your situation re: the completion of your tax returns as expats. See what they tell you. You are probably not the first person who has this issue.

In the meantime, I’d be figuring out a way to complete my 2009 taxes a LOT sooner than next December.