<p>I would make this suggestion to all parents (and to students to tell their parents), when you have students in college or about to attend college for the first time and know you will be filing for financial aid, to immediately start working on all tax returns as soon as possible (preferrably in mid January). As W-2 forms come in (all W-2 forms and 1099 forms should be received by first week in February), make necessary changes. I always fill out the tax returns in mid-jan (using year to date from last paychecks from previous year). By Feb 5 my returns are ready to be filed. Even if you owe money you can file in Feb and send in the money in April (by April 15).</p>