Verification

Click on the relevant link for detailed information about deadlines and required documentation for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026.

Who Requires Verification
The FAFSA central processing system identifies some students for a process called verification. This requires the student (and parents when parent data is part of the FAFSA) to submit documents that reconfirm some of the information that was provided on the FAFSA. As many as one out of every three FAFSAs that are submitted get identified for verification. This is no accusation of dishonesty. Rather this is the U.S. Department of Education’s way of assuring taxpayers that the self-reported data on the FAFSA is as accurate as it can be. Verify As Quickly as Possible
We cannot disburse any federal or state aid to those who have been identified for verification until that process is complete. So, if you are identified for verification, it is important that you submit the required documents as soon as you can. Otherwise there will be a delay in finding out how much aid you are eligible for and a delay in getting it on your account.

Submitting Verification Documents
Some students and parents may need to submit verification of income and tax information. Most have information automatically pulled from the IRS to fulfill this requirement. If you need to submit an IRS tax return transcript or income forms here are some ways to do this. Do whichever is easier or more convenient for you. Submit the required verification worksheet and tax documents (if you need to include those) in person, by mail, or by fax. The office address and fax number are on the verification worksheet.

If you did file an IRS Federal Tax Return and need to obtain a tax return transcript, please use one of the following options:
1. Fax, mail, or deliver a signed copy of your IRS federal tax return with all schedules for the relevant tax year on the FAFSA.
2. Obtain your IRS Tax Return Transcript online, at irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript. Click “Get Transcript Online” or “Get Transcript by Mail” and follow the directions provided. To access transcripts online, you must create an account with the IRS.
3. Automated telephone Request, call 1-800-908-9946. Tax Return Transcript should be received within 10 business days from the IRS’s receipt of the telephone request.
4. Paper Request using IRS Form 4506-T. Tax Return Transcript should be received within 10 business days from the IRS’s receipt of your paper request form.

If you did NOT file an IRS Federal Tax Return and need to obtain W-2s, please use one of the following options:
1. Contact each employer to request a copy of your W-2 form(s) for the relevant tax year on the FAFSA.
2. Go to irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript. Click “Get Transcript Online”. You will be required to create an account with the IRS. Select Wage & Income Transcript for the relevant tax year on the FAFSA. Save and print the document.
3. If you are unable to obtain your W-2 in a timely manner, please submit a signed and dated statement certifying (1) the amount of income earned from work, (2) the source of income, and (3) the reason why the W-2 is unavailable.

If you need to obtain a Verification of Non-Filing Letter due to earning foreign income, but not required to file a tax return with a non-IRS tax authority for the applicable tax year on the FAFSA, you must request this letter from the relevant tax authority (other than the IRS) in which you (or spouse) would have filed an income tax return. If you need assistance, please call our office 812-888-4361.