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News: Easier FAFSA

Improvements to the FAFSA make submitting it easier than ever. Although the online application is long, the new IRS Data Retreival Tool and skip logic make it easier for students.

The IRS tool allows students to import tax information directly from the IRS. In addition to helping complete a hefty part of the FAFSA, the IRS tool also ensures accuracy.

BYU encourages all eligible students to use this service.

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A) File Your Federal Taxes

File your federal tax return (if required) to begin your federal financial aid application.

Tips:

• For the 2012-2013 FAFSA you will need your (and parents/spouse) 2011 tax return(s).
• If you need assitance with your taxes, consider BYU's VITA or other professional tax advisement services.
• Keep a copy of your federal tax return. You will need it when completing the FAFSA.
• If you need a copy of your federal tax return from the IRS, click here for information.

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B) Apply for a PIN

Apply for a PIN to sign your FAFSA (pin.ed.gov). Keep a record of your PIN.

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C) Complete the FAFSA

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online and have the results sent to BYU by entering BYU's School code (003670) when prompted.

Note: We encourage you, if you are eligible, to use the new IRS information retrieval tool when completing your FAFSA. This service will access your tax infromation directly from the IRS and will ensure accuracy.

Tips:

• Apply online. It is faster, easier, and will likely be more accurate.
• Collect all the documents you will need before beginning your FAFSA. You will need these and sometimes more documents:
  • Your Social Security Number
  • Your drivers license (if any)
  • Your W-2s or income statements from the previous year
  • Your (and your spouse's, if any) federal income tax return (1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, etc.) from the previous year
  • Your parent's federal income tax return from the previous year [if you are dependent as defined by FAFSA criteria (2012-2013)]
  • Your current bank statements
  • Your alien registration or permanent resident card  (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
• Do not leave fields blank. Enter a '0' or 'not applicable' rather than not answering the question. 
• Triple check your personal identification information.
  • Make sure your Social Security / drivers license number is correct.
  • Use your legal name as it appears on your Social Security card.
• If you are married and filed separately, include your and your spouse's income.
• If you are not married, but have plans to be married visit Marriage and Federal Financial Aid.
• If you are male, aged 18 to 26, you must register with Selective Service.
• Remember to sign your FAFSA with your PIN you receive from pin.ed.gov.
• Keep your records. You may be required to submit them to BYU if you are selected for Verification.
• If you have questions, use the online FAFSA Help.
  

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D) Receive Your FAFSA Results

When the FAFSA has been submitted and processed by Federal Aid Administrators, you will be sent a Student Aid Report (SAR) and provided an estimate.  Review the report to make sure it is accurate.  If there are corrections to be made, please go back to your electronic application at fafsa.gov and make the necessary changes.  At the same time you receive the SAR, BYU receives an electronic copy.  You will then be notified that you can complete the BYU institutional application.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

The SAR provides the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) figure, which is the amount the government determines a family should be able to contribute toward a student's college expenses. All data used to calculate the EFC comes from the information you provide on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The EFC is used to determine eligibility for Federal Pell Grants and Subsidized Stafford Loans. The EFC is not used when calculating Unsubsidized Stafford and PLUS Loans.

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