Independence Day is this week. Bombs. Patriotism. Picnics. Barbecue. All those things.

I often write about “financial independence” this time of year (yes, I like the puns) … and when I do, invariably I get contacted by a few clients (or former clients), who communicate that they are pretty dispirited about their personal situation, that anything discussing “financial independence” really seems like a pipe dream — completely unrealistic for them.

Honestly, I LOVE these kinds of emails because firstly, I know that when a few people write about it, there’s likely even more that think about it. And secondly, I get the chance to speak a word of encouragement to those that need it.

Maybe that’s you?

Don’t give up.

With all of the local San Diego people and families out there who are going through hard times, it’s easy for them to believe that there isn’t a light at the end of the tunnel. Especially when social media and the media keep putting the glossy and wealthy in front of our faces, it can be hard to face a different kind of facts on the ground.

But did you know that most self-made billionaires were previously bankrupt at some point in their lives? (Just Google it, you’ll see.)

In fact, it’s often the “fire” of these times of trouble which serve to clarify things — and get you making smarter financial decisions, perhaps for the first time.

So, if you’re feeling the financial heat right now, look out for the blessings in the midst of pain. I know it’s hard — but chances are, you’re being reminded of what’s REALLY important … and often, seeing this again can be a launch pad for living the kind of life that you really want to live.

And we’ll be right here in your corner.

Now … on a different note, but a similar theme. Rather than write about financial independence today (I’ve already given my sermon for the week), I thought I’d offer some pointers about when your children become more independent, i.e. go to college, and how to handle the taxes and financial aid part of it all.

Three FAFSA Tips to Help San Diego Taxpayers Get Their High School Grads Ready for College

“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” -Benjamin Franklin

Sending your kids off to relative independence in college is one of the scariest, most exciting times for a parent.

You do what you can, as a loving disciplinarian, for roughly 18 years and then after one weekend of stuffing a car full-to-the-brim and unloading it the next day … it’s all up to them. It’s so bittersweet.

Today, I want to help you (or any friend you know with kids heading off to university), to experience more sweet than bitter this season with a few FAFSA tax tips.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is becoming increasingly in-demand with ever-inflating tuition fees.

Here are three FAFSA tips that might benefit students you know and love.

1. FAFSA Data Retrieval

This first tip is arguably the most important, because it will help long you after you’re done reading this article.

The IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) will help college parents IMMENSELY when it comes to retrieving FAFSA tax info. The U.S. Department of Education recommends this IRS-backed service to conveniently access items like family earnings online.

You can share this service with anyone using this FAFSA website link which contains the IRS DRT.

2. FAFSA Questions. You Answer.

There are many financial details FAFSA will call for, and I want to make sure you and your college-prep people are prepared.

Here are a few FAFSA non-negotiables:

• Social Security Number
• The parents’ SSNs (if a dependent student)
• Driver’s license number
• Alien Registration Number (if not a U.S. citizen)
• Federal tax info and returns
• Records of untaxed income
• Cash, savings and checking account information

In regard to the information listed above, I’ll say this: gathering such info is one thing, but understanding how each piece correlates to FAFSA is another. I would love to help any college-ready family with this process, and it starts with us sitting down to meet. Please give me a call or contact me using the email at the top of our site, so we can get that first meeting on the textbooks ASAP. (See what I did there?)

3. Transcript Access

One of the first items we’ll go over is a tax transcript. This document possesses most of the line items necessary to complete the FAFSA. It will also serve as an alternative to your original tax return.

This document will offer adjustments the IRS made AFTER you filed your return, and are therefore updated and accurate. To receive your tax transcript, you can get it online at Get Transcript, or pick up the phone and dial (800) 908-9946 to order one by mail.

Although there are some tedious tasks involved in completing the FAFSA, remember you’re taking one more step in chipping away at that unfortunately-high tuition cost ahead of you.

A little work will go a long way when it comes to paying for student education. And if those students don’t appreciate all the hard tax work now, one day they (hopefully) will. Please reach out if you have any more questions, and best of luck to all of the college-bound kids you know!

Warmly,

Darryl A. Hale, EA, MBA, MST

(858) 549-9666

Top Hat Tax & Financial Services