Do you have to apply to a college before applying for FAFSA?

I'm applying for college for the Fall of 2010. I sent out applications, but when filling out FAFSA, I need?

• my father is telling me that he is not doing his taxes until April 18 or something like that, and I'm telling him he needs to do them now before February, because I need to turn in the FAFSA to colleges and stuff, and he tells me that they want last year's FAFSA tax forms... the web-site says that he needs the 2009 tax forms, are those "last years" as he says, or does he have to do them this month (not April)... ah! how to explain myself! he tells me he doesn't need to do anything now until April, but I tell him he does because I need to turn in FAFSA to colleges and I tell him they don't need last year's, but he needs to do his taxes now instead of wait for April. Is there anywhere where I can find information about this, 'cause he just doesn't believe me and thinks I'm just bothering him and he gets mad. Thanks.

• Answer:

  you can use the 2008 tax forms and update them when the 2009 are complete. this is what my parents have done in the past. you should use the tax form of the parent of which you live with the most.