Applying for federal Financial Aid can be, at times, challenging. The Federal Government in recent years, in an effort to utilize 21st century technology and reduce the amount of paperwork required, has created an easier and faster way for families to provide tax information when completing the application for financial aid. While this new process has helped, it can still be cumbersome for some families if you fail to answer questions within the financial aid application. This will impact the processing of your financial aid application.

 

To help you through this process, we want to make sure that you are aware and prepared when filing your Federal Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA). The following steps must be taken when applying for financial aid:

 

Please file your federal tax returns before you complete the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA). Federal financial aid decisions are based on your federal income tax return(s).

Beginning in 2015, the Federal Student Aid Office introduced the FSA ID system.  The FSA ID (Username and Password) replaces the PIN (Personal Identification Number).  The FSA ID will provide students, parents and borrowers with a more secure access to the Federal Student Aid systems.

New users will be directed to the registration page to create a FSA ID.  If you already have a PIN when you are setting up an account to create a FSA ID, you will be asked for your PIN.  As long as the PIN information matches your other information, the account will be linked to the FSA ID account screen.

The FSA ID is required for every student and at least one parent whose information is required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Click on the following link to view the documentation on creating your new FSA ID.

Applicants filing the 2017-18 FAFSA must use data from their 2015 tax returns.

You should always retain a copy of your tax return, either electronically or on paper, and keep it in a secure place.

If you did not keep a copy of your tax return, here are some options:

1. Access the tax software product you used to prepare and file your 2015 return.  You may be able to access your account to download/print a copy.
2. Contact the tax preparer/provider who filed your 2015 return if you used a tax professional.
3. Download your tax transcript (a summary) at Get Transcript Online.  Review the rigorous identity authentication requirements for Secure Access before attempting to register.
4. Use Get Transcript by Mail and a transcript will be mailed to the address on your return within five to 10 days.
5. Call our automated line at 800-908-9946 to order a transcript by mail.

If you filed an amended tax return, Form 1040X, you should use the adjusted gross income and earned income listed on your revised tax return.

Know our federal school code number, 003032 - keep this number close by while you complete the FAFSA as you will be asked for it in the application.

For a step-by-step guide in applying for financial aid, select Apply for Financial Aid.

 

Campus411 All-In-1 is also available to you to help you navigate through this process. Be sure to contact us through several ways: 1) chat with us online, 2) call us at 216-687-5411, and 3) email us at allin1@csuohio.edu.