Changing Lives, Transforming Communities
The tnAchieves Blog
Filing the FAFSA
October 1, 2020
Each year, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be eligible for TN Promise. The 2021-2022 FAFSA will be open for completion as of October 1, 2020 at fafsa.gov. You will need 2019 tax information to complete the FAFSA. Remember, the deadline to file the FAFSA is February 1, 2021. In order to file the FAFSA, you must have an FSA ID. If you have filed the FAFSA in previous years, you will use your original FSA ID. If this is your first time filing the FAFSA, you will need to create an FSA ID at fsaid.ed.gov. TIP: Write down your FSA ID! You will need it again to log back into your FAFSA or complete future years’ FAFSAs!
While the FAFSA can be daunting, it is not impossible! Below is a list of resources available to you this FAFSA season:
- Step-by-step instructions on how to create your and your parent/guardian's FSA ID.
- Step-by-step instructions on how to file the FAFSA.
- FAFSA Facts
- The tnAchieves team is available to you via phone and email for one-on-one help.
- The FAFSA helpline is available at 1-800-433-3243.
- Your college advisor or counselor is available for questions and support.
In order to properly file the FAFSA, you will need the following documentation:
- Student and parent or legal guardian FSA IDs.
- 2019 Federal Tax Return or other income documentation
- Social Security number(s) or Alien registration card (if a student is not a U.S. Citizen)
- Driver’s license (if applicable)
- 2019 tax information for student and parent or legal guardian(s). If possible, import 2019 tax information using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.
- 2019 untaxed income records, such as child support received and veterans non-education benefits
- Information on checking and savings account balances; stock, bond and other investments; and business and farm assets
