For renewal filing over the web, students are given an electronic access code or PIN that serves as the student's signature. Parents will still have to sign if the applicant is a dependent. Have the student's Social Security number ready. Use W-2 forms and carefully estimate tax information if federal income taxes have not yet been completed. Be aware of deadline dates for the schools to which you are applying.
Some schools use only the federal form.
Others have a separate form for institutional aid so be sure to check with the school. The forms are processed by computer, so do not attach additional materials. Write only in the marked spaces on the application, never in the margins. These credits can be claimed by eligible taxpayers when they file their 1999 tax returns. To take advantage of the Hope and Lifetime Learning tax credits, taxpayers must complete and submit IRS form 8863 with their federal tax return.