How to Fill Out the Parent Section of FAFSA: A Step-by-Step Guide
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial step for students seeking financial assistance for their higher education. One of the most important sections of the FAFSA is the parent section. This section requires parents to provide financial information that will be used to determine the student’s eligibility for federal aid. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to fill out the parent section of the FAFSA to ensure a smooth and accurate application process.
1. Gather Required Documents
Before you begin filling out the parent section of the FAFSA, it’s essential to gather all the necessary documents. These include:
– Social Security numbers for both the student and the parent(s)
– Federal tax information for the previous year (tax returns, W-2s, and 1099s)
– Current bank statements
– Records of any untaxed income, such as child support or interest income
– Information about any investments, including stocks, bonds, and real estate
2. Log in to Your FAFSA Account
To fill out the parent section of the FAFSA, you will need to create or log in to your FAFSA account. If you haven’t already, visit the FAFSA website and follow the instructions to create an account. Once logged in, you will be directed to the FAFSA form.
3. Complete the Parent Section
The parent section of the FAFSA consists of several questions that require financial information. Here’s a breakdown of the key questions and what you’ll need to provide:
– Parent’s Name: Enter the full name of the parent(s) as it appears on their Social Security card.
– Parent’s Date of Birth: Enter the parent’s date of birth.
– Parent’s Social Security Number: Enter the parent’s Social Security number.
– Marital Status: Select the parent’s marital status from the drop-down menu.
– Parent’s Address: Enter the parent’s current address, including street, city, state, and zip code.
– Parent’s Phone Number: Enter the parent’s phone number.
– Parent’s Email Address: Enter the parent’s email address.
– Parent’s Tax Information: Enter the parent’s federal tax information for the previous year, including adjusted gross income (AGI), taxable income, and untaxed income.
– Parent’s Asset Information: Provide information about the parent’s assets, such as savings, investments, and real estate.
4. Review and Submit
After completing the parent section, review all the information you’ve entered to ensure accuracy. Double-check the Social Security numbers, tax information, and asset values. Once you’re confident that everything is correct, submit the FAFSA application.
5. Follow Up
After submitting the FAFSA, you may receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that summarizes the information you provided. Review the SAR for any errors or discrepancies and make any necessary corrections. Keep in mind that financial aid deadlines vary by school, so it’s important to submit the FAFSA as early as possible.
In conclusion, filling out the parent section of the FAFSA can be a daunting task, but with the right approach and the necessary documents, it can be completed successfully. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be well on your way to securing the financial aid your student needs for college.
