Verification

If you have been selected for verification, it is nothing to worry about. The federal government randomly selects approximately 30% of all financial aid applicants for verification and it is the school's responsibility to complete this process on their behalf. In the verification process, we compare the information that was submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the information submitted to our office on the verification worksheets and your income information.  If changes are necessary, we will make those corrections electronically for you.

For the 2013-2014 Academic Year:

1. Complete the correct verification worksheet based upon your dependency stats:
1. Dependent Student
2. Independent Student
2. Submit Copies of all 2012 W-2(s) for all wage earners in 2012, even if not filing a tax return.
3. Submit 2012 income Information. Please use one of the following ways.  Please note: the IRS Data Retrieval is the recommended, preferred and fastest way to submit your income information.
1. IRS Data Retrieval Tool - Log into your FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov) using your PIN and select the IRS Data Retrieval for all IRS filers. For a demonstration, watch this video.
2. Request a copy of your IRS tax transcript from the IRS using one of the following ways (Detailed instructions for all 3 options):
1. Online at www.irs.gov
2. By phone at 1-800-908-9946
3. By mail using IRS Form 456T-EZ

For the 2012-2013 Academic Year:

1. Complete the correct verification worksheet based upon your dependency status:
   1. Dependent Students or
   2. Independent Students
2. Submit copies of all 2011 W-2(s) for all wage earners in 2011.
3. Submit 2011 income information. To submit 2011 income information to our office for the 2012-2013 academic year, please use one of the following ways:
   
   1. Log into your FAFSA (www.fafsa.gov) using your PIN and select the IRS Data Retrieval for all IRS filers. For a demonstration, watch this video.
   2. Request a copy of your IRS tax transcript from the IRS using one of the following ways (Detailed instructions for all 3 options)
      
      1. Online at www.irs.gov
      2. By phone at 1-800-908-9946
      3. by mail using IRS Form 456T-EZ

Please note: the IRS Data Retrieval is the recommended, preferred and fastest way to submit your income information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I'm having trouble using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.  What could be the problem?

A. There are a couple things that could cause you to not be able to import your tax information using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.  

1. Enough time may not have passed since you filed your taxes for it to be available to be used by the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.  This is dependent upon how you filed your taxes.  If you file your taxes electronically, the IRS Data Retrieval Tool is available 2-3 weeks after filing.  If you file your taxes via paper, the IRS Data Retrieval Tool is available 6-8 weeks after filing.  
2. You need to input the address that you listed on your tax return when submitted.  If you moved after filing your taxes, be sure to input the address that is listed on your federal tax return.

Q. I'm randomly selected every year, it can't truly be random?

A. We are assured from the federal government that it is random, however we do sometimes see the same students selected from year to year. While not necessarily ideal, it is ensuring that your financial aid is accurate.

Q. Why can't I submit a signed copy of my tax returns like I did last year?

A. There has been a major change to how students and their families will submit their income information to us starting with the 2012-2013 academic year, per recent changes to federal regulations. In years past, signed copies of your federal tax return and W-2's has been acceptable documentation, however this is no longer the case.

Q. I submitted my documents and the Financial Aid Office told me I was all set, but now you're asking for more information. What's changed?

A. When there is a difference between what was reported on the FAFSA from what is submitted to us with the verification paperwork, we need to confirm in writing what the correct figure should be. This ensures that your application is completed correctly and you will receive all the financial aid you are eligible for. If we find a discrepancy, we will ask that send in additional paperwork and make any necessary corrections for you.