Federal Verification

Selected for Federal Verification? Find general information and instructions for completing the verification process on this page. 

Overview

Verification is a federal regulation that requires colleges and universities to verify the information provided by students and parents on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Colleges and universities have varying rules regarding who must be selected for verification. The University is also required to resolve any conflicting information, inconsistencies, or errors made on FAFSA applications to ensure the integrity of federal student financial aid programs.

Tips for Collecting Your Data

The best way to verify income is by using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) that you can access while completing the FAFSA online.

You can obtain a Federal Tax Return Transcript by calling the IRS at 1-800-908-9946 or requesting a transcript via the IRS website. Make sure to request the “IRS Tax Return Transcript” and NOT the “IRS Tax Account Transcript.

In most cases, for electronic filers, an IRS Tax Return Transcript may be requested from the IRS within 2-3 weeks after the IRS income tax return has been accepted by the IRS. Generally, for filers of paper IRS income tax returns, the Tax Transcript may be requested within 8-11 weeks after the paper return has been received by the IRS.

Tax Return

You can also provide a legible, signed copy of page one and two of IRS Form 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, a tax return from Puerto Rico, or a foreign income tax return filed for the specified year. Note: Foreign tax returns must have each line translated to English.

Options for taxpayers who did not keep a copy of their tax return or require a verification of non-filing letter:

  • Access the tax software product used to prepare and file your tax return. You may be able to access your account to download and print a copy.
  • Contact the tax preparer or provider who filed your tax return.
  • To access your transcript immediately, download your tax transcript at Get Transcript Online. Review the identity authentication requirements for Secure Access before attempting to register.
  • Use Get Transcript by Mail. The IRS will mail a transcript to the address on your return within 10 days.
  • File Form 4506-T. The IRS will mail a transcript to the address on your return within 10 days.
  • Call the IRS’s automated line at 800-908-9946 to order a transcript by mail. The IRS will mail a transcript to the address on your return within 10 days.
  • If you filed an amended tax return, Form 1040-X, you should use the adjusted gross income and earned income listed on your revised tax return.