Who or What is a Contributor?

A contributor is anyone required to provide consent and approval for obtaining federal tax information needed to complete a student's FAFSA. If applicable, contributors may include:

• Student (always a contributor)
• Student's spouse
• Biological or adopted parent(s) 
• Parent's spouse (stepparent) if remarried
• Preparer

Who are not contributors? 

• Grandparents 
• Foster parents 
• Legal guardians 
• Brothers or sisters 
• Aunts or uncles 

How are contributors determined? 

The student's or parent's answers to certain questions on the FAFSA will determine which contributors (if any) will be required to provide information.  

What do contributors need to provide? 

• Name 
• Date of birth 
• Social Security number (or ITIN – Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if no SSN)
• Email address 
• Personal and financial information 

What steps do contributors need to follow? 

1. Receive an email informing you that you've been identified as a contributor. 
2. Create a StudentAid.gov account (FSA ID) if you don't already have one. 
3. Log in to your account with your username and password (FSA ID).
4. Review information about completing the FAFSA.
5. Provide the required information on the student's FAFSA form. 

What if I am a contributor and don't want to provide my information? 

Being a contributor does not make you responsible for the cost of a student’s education in any way. Your information is only required to complete the student’s application. However, if a required contributor refuses to provide their information, it will result in an incomplete FAFSA, and the student will not be able to receive federal or state aid.