The purpose of verification is to check the accuracy of the information reported by you and/or your parent(s) on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and correct any discrepant data in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations, 34 CFR 668, subpart E. required policies – 34 CFR 668.53. Corrections will be consistent with the instructions on the FAFSA, the tax return(s) and Federal Verification Worksheet(s).

What is the IRS data retrieval tool and how do I use it?

The IRS Data Retrieval Tool is a helpful resource that allows applicants to pull their tax data directly from the Internal Revenue Service in order to auto-fill the tax portion of the FAFSA. Click here to view a video on how this works.

Why should I use the IRS data retrieval process?

Simply put, it speeds up the FAFSA completion process by reducing manual data entry and increases data accuracy. You do not have to provide copies of your and your parent's federal tax transcripts.

Why are tax return transcripts required for 2012-2013?

Effective for the 2012-2013 aid year, the U. S. Department of Education has determined that copies of income tax returns are no longer acceptable for satisfying verification requirements. Consequently, if you do not use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, you will have to request a Tax Return Transcript from the IRS.

Who gets selected for verification?

Applications are selected for verification by the federal processor. At least 30% of all applications will be selected. If you feel you made a mistake on your FAFSA, you can request to be selected for verification and we can fix the errors for you.

How am I notified if I am selected for verification?

If your application is selected for verification you will be notified after we receive your FAFSA. If additional documentation is needed at a later time, you will be sent another letter/email.

What documents am I required to turn in?

There are several documents that may be required of you.  They include but are not limited to:

• Completed Federal Verification Worksheet(s).  Independent and Dependent applicants must complete the student version of the verification worksheet online through OASIS.  Parents of dependent students will also complete the parent verification worksheet.


• Federal Tax Returns: 
• Completed and signed tax form(s) for the 2010 tax year used to fill out the FAFSA. This includes, but is not limited to, IRS form 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, foreign tax forms, Puerto Rican tax forms, IRS tax transcripts, or copies of any electronic versions, with all the lines required for verification. If you do not have a copy of your tax returns, you may call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and request to have one sent to you.
• W2s may also be turned in to supplement the tax forms.

Please make sure you do not give us your only copy. We will not provide copies of any documentation you give us. All 2010 tax forms should be signed by the tax filer of that form and the student's U# should be written on every page.

We may ask for other documents in addition to the ones you first turned in.  It is important to check your email and your OASIS account regularly.  In OASIS, any documents we need will be under the My Requirements link in the Financial Aid section of OASIS.

Is there a deadline for turning in verification documents?

If you are selected for verification for the 2011/2012 academic year you have until August 24, 2012 to submit the required documentation.

How long does the verification process take to be completed?

The entire process can take up to 4 weeks to complete.  This is why it is imperative that you submit all requested documents as soon as possible. Some important things to keep in mind to help you with this are:

• Make sure your FAFSA is submitted and received by us early in March.  The priority deadline is March 1st.
• Submit required documents as soon as possible.
• Regularly check your email and OASIS accounts so that you may see any additional required documents as soon as they are requested.
• Completing your file early will allow us to start the verification process sooner, thus your eligibility can be determined before you start school.

What happens if I don’t turn in the verification documents?

You will not receive any need-based funds if you fail to submit any required documentation.

If you are selected after being disbursed financial aid you will need to submit any required documents by July 31st of that academic year. Furthermore, if you received any need-based federal student aid (Pell grant, SEOG, Perkins loans) you will be reported to the National Student Loan Database System (NSLDS) for the Department of Education. This will put a hold on your academic records and prevent future registration.

Can I get any aid before my verification is completed?

Unfortunately, if you are selected for verification before any of your aid is disbursed, you cannot receive any aid until after the verification process has been completed