FAFSA Completion Checklist: What to Gather Before You File

Use this page as the sit-down gather list for the 2026–27 FAFSA only. It is not the 2027–28 filing path. For the 2027–28 contributor rule and calendar, use the FAFSA and CSS Profile timeline. Check each item as you collect it, then file. The FAFSA completion guide explains who files, SAI, and common mistakes. This page is the document pile, not that walkthrough. Items follow the current Federal Student Aid prep list at studentaid.gov.

1) StudentAid.gov accounts (do these first)

• Student StudentAid.gov account created at studentaid.gov
• Each required contributor has their own StudentAid.gov account (parent, parent's spouse, and/or student spouse, as the form identifies them)
• Account usernames stored somewhere you can find next year

2) Contributor information and IRS consent

• Contributor names and emails written down so you can invite them on the form
• Contributor emails:
• Student provided consent and approval for federal tax information to transfer directly from the IRS (required even if no tax return was filed)
• Each required contributor provided consent and approval for the IRS tax-information transfer

3) Tax, child-support, and asset records (check when in hand)

For 2026–27, have 2024 federal tax returns available. After consent and approval, tax information transfers directly from the IRS. Keep the return on hand for extra questions.

• Student 2024 federal tax return (or confirmed no return was filed)
• Each contributor's 2024 federal tax return (or confirmed no return was filed)
• Records of child support received
• Current cash, checking, and savings balances (student and contributors)
• Current net worth of investments (exclude retirement accounts and a primary home)
• Current net worth of reportable businesses or farms only (if any). For 2026–27, do not gather or report: a family business with 100 or fewer full-time (or full-time equivalent) employees; a farm where the family resides; or a commercial fishing business and related expenses owned and controlled by the family.

4) School codes (write them before you file)

Look up Federal School Codes at studentaid.gov. You can list up to 20. Add them before you submit.

5) Your deadlines (fill in, then file)

• State priority deadline:
• Federal deadline noted (June 30 of the award year; do not wait)

6) After you submit

• Confirmation page saved
• Official or estimated SAI written here:
• Each college portal checked for verification requests
• Verification documents sent if asked

Walkthrough and mistakes: FAFSA completion guide. Comparing offers later: award comparison toolkit. For admissions planning around cost and fit, work with an Ivy Ready expert.

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