The FAFSA optimizer helps shape adjusted gross income (AGI) in the years a dependent is enrolled in college, so the household qualifies for more need-based financial aid. FAFSA's Student Aid Index is highly sensitive to AGI, so even small year-over-year shifts can meaningfully change aid eligibility.

What it does

• Identifies base years. The tax years that feed each FAFSA filing for a dependent.
• Suggests how to shift Roth conversions, capital-gain realizations, or large taxable withdrawals out of base years and into adjacent years.
• Reports the projected change in aid eligibility against your baseline plan.

For deeper context on the AGI levers it touches, see Income types and Expense types.