Compile all of your financial records for the previous year. If you are a dependent student, ask your parents for their tax returns. Gather together your family's records of all other assets, including savings accounts, investments and the net worth of any businesses or property that your family owns.
Answer the basic questions on the FAFSA form, such as whether you are a dependent student or an independent student. If you are not a dependent, list any dependents that you have other than a spouse. Make a note of whether you are enrolling full-time, part-time or other. Write down your marital status. Indicate your family size.
Answer questions regarding whether your parents filed taxes, if you are a dependent. Indicate your state of residency. The form also asks whether your parents are divorced or deceased.
Report all income from the previous year. This includes your income, your parents' income and any other benefits, such as disability, worker's compensation or living allowances for the clergy. Report any child support received, either by you or by a parent, if you are a dependent. Report contributions to savings plans, pensions or similar accounts.
Report the total amount of all assets that you have or that your parents have, if you are a dependent. This includes the net worth of all businesses owned or liquid assets, such as savings accounts or cash.
Provide an estimated cost of your school for one year. Obtain this information from your college catalog or from the admissions office. These costs are broken down into category. Enter the values for tuition, books, room and board, as well as any other fees.