Tax deadline a reminder to file FAFSA

For those students planning to attend OTC or their parents, it is a good idea to keep your just-completed income tax returns out for a day or two before you file them away.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is the form students must complete in order to determine how much financial aid he or she is eligible to receive.

Several forms are needed to complete the application; completed 2010 tax forms, 2010 W-2 forms, 1099 forms and other statements of interest earned. The sooner the FAFSA is completed and submitted, the sooner students will learn what sort of financial aid they could receive.

The 2011-12 application form has an improved layout online for an easier and more accurate application process; it is free and available online at www.fafsa.gov

“We definitely don’t recommend waiting.  If additional documentation is required or your FAFSA is selected for the verification process, it could add 8-12 weeks to the usual processing time.  However, remember that in order to meet the priority deadline for 2011-12, the college must receive your FAFSA results no later than July 1, 2011,” said Kim Cary, assistant director of financial aid and coordinator of federal programs.

Cary said applicants also should keep in mind that the college receives thousands of FAFSA applications each semester, all of which must be processed even if the applicant chooses to attend a school other than OTC.

“Students who have or will be filing their FAFSA can anticipate hearing from OTC’s Financial Aid Office following receipt and processing of FAFSA information, or you may contact us,” Cary said.

If you require assistance with your FAFSA, Student Services on the Springfield campus will be conducting help sessions on the second floor Student Services computer center later this summer. You can also get immediate help at the Student Services office and cyber center.

Student Services is available year-round to assist students applying for financial aid.

For more information about the financial aid application process, visit www.otc.edu/financialaid. You can also call 417-447-6900 or email financialaid@otc.edu.