FAFSA Verification Info

Important Deadline

Files completed for verification by the July 1, priority deadline will be given first consideration for processing in order to allow earliest possible disbursement of student aid refunds. After July 1, files are processed based upon receipt date and completion of financial aid file.

It is strongly recommended that you request your Tax Transcript directly from the IRS even if you have already completed the 4506T-EZ form.  Requesting your Tax Transcript from the IRS via web or phone (1-800-908-9946) will significantly reduce the wait to receive your transcripts.

Documents Requested

• Verification Packet/Worksheets
• Tax Transcript
• W-2s

What is Verification?

When a student files the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the U.S. Department of Education will send results of the FAFSA (the Student Aid Report) to the student via US mail or by email. This report will indicate if the student has been selected for the verification process. Not all students are selected by the U.S. Department of Education for verification. The Financial Aid Office will also receive notification from the U.S. Department of Education and will contact the student as well. It is imperative that the mailing address for the student remain current with the college for this reason.

The verification process requires the college to collect additional documents from the student and his/her family in order to verify information provided on the FAFSA. Along with a verification worksheet, the student will need to provide the Financial Aid Office with all necessary documents and information indicated on the verification worksheet. Depending on individual situations, additional documents may be requested as needed. It is the student's responsibility to make sure the Financial Aid Office receives the items requested in a timely manner.

How to Avoid Delays in the Verification Process

• Use the IRS Data Retrieval tool when completing your FAFSA
• Complete your verification packet as soon as possible.  Enrollment Services may be required to request IRS transcripts which may take up to 30 business days.
• Request your IRS tax transcript directly via web or phone - 1-800-908-9946.  It is strongly recommended that you request your Tax Transcript directly from the IRS even if you have already completed the 4506T-EZ form.
• Provide W-2s for each person whose income is reported on your FAFSA.
• Amounts reported on the Verification Packet are to be annual/per year figures, not monthly. 
• Complete all questions requiring a dollar amount (do not leave blank).
• All applicable parties must sign the verification packet.
• If you marked separated or divorced as your marital status on the FAFSA, but filed a joint return with your spouse, you will need to provide a copy of your W-2s.
• If there are further discrepancies on the packet regarding other income information reported, additional documents could be requested at a later date.

2012-2013 (Fall 2012/Spring 2013/Summer 2013) Verification Packet

• 2012-13 Dependent Verification Packet
• 2012-13 Independent Verification Packet

2011-2012 (Fall 2011/Spring 2012/Summer 2012) Verification Worksheets

• 2011-12 Dependent Verification Worksheet
• 2011-12 Independent Verification Worksheet