Verification

Which verification dates are we currently processing?
The FAO website’s homepage has a scrolling news bar in the upper right hand corner. The dates we are processing are listed here. You can save a trip to the office by checking this online!

What is the verification process and why was I selected?
The verification process allows schools to verify the accuracy of the information you submitted on your FAFSA. You are required to submit signed copies of your (and/or your spouse’s or parents’) federal income tax returns for the previous calendar year and a verification worksheet. Our office compares this information to the information on your FAFSA. If corrections are necessary, we’ll send them electronically. The corrections usually take 3 to 5 business days to process.

The U.S. Department of Education randomly selects students for verification. Approximately 30% of aid applicants are selected. Additionally, colleges and universities may choose to verify applicants who were not selected originally by the Federal Processor.

Why do I have to submit my (or my parents’ or spouse’s) Military Leave and Earnings statement for verification?
BAS, BAH and BAQ allotments are listed on your MLES and are untaxed. Therefore, these amounts must be listed as untaxed income under Worksheet B on your Verification Worksheet. In the past, the BAS and BAQ figures were listed on military W2s. However, this is no longer the case and Financial Aid Offices must use the MLES to verify these figures.

What steps should I take if I didn’t file a tax return?
If you did not file a tax return, you should indicate on your Verification Worksheet that you did not file. If you did work the previous calendar year, you should list your employer and earnings in the designated area of the worksheet. Please keep in mind that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does have certain filing requirements. If we verify your application and see that your earnings meet or are above these requirements, we will not be able to continue the verification process unless you file a tax return.

Why am I being asked for proof of nonfiling?
You are asked for proof of nonfiling because there is conflicting information on your FAFSA and Verification Worksheet. More than likely, you indicated on your FAFSA that you did file or would file a tax return, and you indicated on your Verification Worksheet that you did NOT file.

Why am I being asked to submit copies of W2s?
Sometimes, information on tax returns does not match the amount under “earnings from work” reported on the FAFSA. In these cases, we must request W2s. For example, you and your spouse filed a joint tax return. Your total wages, salaries and tips on your tax return was $30,000. However, on your FAFSA, your income was listed as $10,000, and your spouse’s was listed as $25,000. This total is different from the amount on your tax return, so we must verify the information by requesting W2s. (The Verification Worksheet does state that our office may request copies of your W2s.)