b'45SEVEN STEPS TO CONQUER THE FAFSA#1 #4Choose your filing method. Follow these tips. There are three ways to complete your FAFSA:The IRS Data Retrieval Tool is the easiest way to provide your Complete the form online at www.studentaid.gov/h/apply-tax data. This tool electronically imports tax return informationPAYING FOR COLLEGEfor-aid/fafsa (this is the recommended filing method). from the IRS to the FAFSA. Follow the prompts within the FAFSA Download a PDF of the form from www.studentaid.gov/to use this tool starting October 1, 2021.resources, complete it, and submit it by mail.You may designate up to ten colleges to which you would like Request a paper copy of the FAFSA by calling 1-800-433-3243 your online FAFSA sent. List a college in Pennsylvania first inor TTY 1-800-730-8913, complete it, and submit it by mail. order to be considered for state aid.#2 #5Set up your Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID).Submit your FAFSA as early as possible after Log on to www.studentaid.gov and click on the link to createOctober 1.your FSA ID. You will be prompted to:Since some financial aid is limited and awarded on a first-come,Select a username and password. first-served basis, the sooner you submit your FAFSA after Enter your email address, name, date of birth, Social Security October 1, the sooner it will be processed. Submitting the FAFSA number, contact information, and security challenge questions early will put you in the best position to receive the maximum and answers. amount of financial aid for which you may be eligible. Review your information, and accept the sites termsCheck for any FAFSA deadlines at each school to which youand conditions. are applying. Confirm your email address using a secure code, which is sentto the email address you entered when you created your FSA ID. #6#3 Prepare to provide income verification.You may be asked to verify the income information which you Organize your paperwork. provided on the FAFSA by supplying copies of documentation. You will need the following documents and information:Check your mail and email frequently for any follow-up Your Social Security number; communications related to the FAFSA and respond promptly. Your alien registration number (if you are not a U.S. citizen); (Note: if you use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool discussed above, Your drivers license number (if you have one); you are less likely to be asked to provide income verification). The most recent federal income tax returns, W-2s, and otherExpect to be asked for verification if your parents didnt file taxes.records of money earned by you and your parents; Records of 2020 untaxed income (such as social security orpublic assistance) for you and your parents (if applicable); #7 The most recent bank statements for you and your parents, Review your Student Aid Report (SAR). and records of investments (if applicable); and Three to five days after you submit your FAFSA signed with yourYour FSA ID, which you will use to sign the forms electronically. FSA ID, your Student Aid Report (SAR) will be available online. Your SAR summarizes the information you provided on your FAFSA and lists your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). You will receive an email message containing a secure link toyour SAR.'