When completing the 2026–27 FAFSA® form, you’ll be asked whether you (or your parents, if you’re a dependent student) filed or plan to file a 2026 IRS Form 1040 or 1040-NR. This question helps determine how your tax information will be used to calculate your federal student aid eligibility.
What Is IRS Form 1040 or 1040-NR?
- IRS Form 1040 is the standard U.S. individual income tax return used by most taxpayers.
- IRS Form 1040-NR is the income tax return for nonresident aliens, including individuals, partnerships, estates, and trusts.
The 2026–27 FAFSA® uses income data from the 2026 tax year, while the 2026–26 FAFSA® uses data from 2023.
How to Answer the FAFSA Question
- Select “Yes” if you filed or plan to file a 2026 IRS Form 1040 or 1040-NR.
- Select “No” if you didn’t file and don’t plan to file a 2026 tax return.
- Dependent students who didn’t file their own return should also choose “No,” even if their parents claimed them as dependents.
Filing in a U.S. Territory
If you (or your spouse, or your parents if you’re a dependent student) filed or plan to file a 2026 tax return directly with a U.S. territory such as Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa, you should also select “No.”
Automatic Completion
If you provide consent for the IRS to share your federal tax data, this FAFSA question may be filled out automatically for you.
Calculate Your 2026 COLA Increase →Need More Help?
If you have questions about how to answer this FAFSA item or how your tax information affects aid eligibility, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center through the Help Center, email, or live chat.
