<p>I’m really confused about this entire process of applying for fin aid.
I completed my FAFSA, for 2011 tax return data I used estimates based on 2010 tax return. USF sent me an email, which said that I need to transfer 2011 tax info from IRS to FAFSA within the next 30 days. The problem is, my parents have not filed their 2011 taxes, and I don’t think anybody’s parents did (am I wrong?) since the deadline is April, 15th.</p>
<p>Has anybody done this already?</p>
<p>I’m all ready to send in my 2011 individual tax return except for just one thing–I’m still waiting to receive my W-2 form from USF for my part-time campus job! My supervisor at USF told me today: “it’s in the mail.” </p>
<p>My parents have their return ready to submit, but they are waiting to double check mine before they submit their return to make sure their return squares with my return and my sister’s return too. This tax and FAFSA stuff is a royal pain, do the best you can to get stuff in as early as possible. I don’t know how some people can get their returns in in just 30 days if they have to wait for an accountant to prepare, or if the parents have their own business with more complicated filings. </p>
<p>Best thing to do if you are not exactly sure how to meet USF’s request is to phone the financial aid office–they may be able to work with estimates for 2011 tax figures past the 30 days–check with the USF financial aid office.</p>
<p>My mom has submitted hers already. I believe the first day to “press the button” was Jan. 17, so she did it that day. She got her numbers in an email I put them in and sent off my FAFSA that day as well. Most people who wait to file taxes are because they own a business or are waiting for a lot of forms to come back. The longer you wait to file, the longer it takes for you to get your money.</p>
<p>definitely DO NOT wait until the 15th. as far as the FAFSA is concerned, you just need to do your taxes ASAP. I heard something about a way to directly import tax info to the FAFSA after you file, but I don’t know much about it… hopefully my parents do. haha 
but they are trying to do their taxes as soon as they can because of my FAFSA.</p>