To-Do List for 2025-26 FAFSA
Before you start:
- Create or reconfirm your FSA ID. Everyone who needs to provide information on the FAFSA needs an . This includes the student, the student's parents or stepparents (if the student is a dependent), and the student's spouse (if applicable).
- Gather your tax information. You will need to provide tax information for the student and their parents or stepparents, if applicable.
- Go to and log in with your FSA ID.
- Complete the Student Section of the FAFSA.
- Indicate any contributors to your FAFSA. This includes your parents or stepparents (if you are a dependent student) and your spouse (if applicable).
- Ask your contributors to create FSA IDs and complete their sections of the FAFSA.
- Review your FAFSA and submit it.
- Start early. Some FAFSA funds are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, so submitting it as early as possible is best.
- Be accurate. Provide complete and accurate information on the FAFSA. Any errors or omissions could delay your application or even make you ineligible for financial aid.
- Keep copies of all supporting documents. If selected by Federal Student Aid, you may be asked to provide copies of your tax returns, W-2s, and other documents to verify your information.
- Contact us for help if you have any questions about the FAFSA or need assistance completing it.
- If you are a dependent student, you must indicate your parents or stepparents as contributors on the FAFSA.
- If your parents are married and filed joint 2023 tax returns, only one parent needs to complete the FAFSA as a contributor.
- If your parents are married and filed separate 2023 tax returns, both parents need to complete the FAFSA as contributors.
- If your parents are divorced, separated, or never married, the parent who provides the most financial support should complete the FAFSA as a contributor.
- If you are married, you must indicate your spouse as a contributor on the FAFSA.