The U.S. Department of Education requires selected students and parents to verify the data reported on the FAFSA. This is not an indication that you have completed the FAFSA incorrectly. Most students are selected for verification randomly and each year, approximately 30% of FAFSA filers are required to complete verification. Financial aid will not be disbursed until all requested documents have been submitted and reviewed. If the documents submitted require FSU to make corrections to your FAFSA, then your financial aid awards may be adjusted in accordance with your eligibility.
For assistance with common issues while completing documents click here.
The documents that are required for verification will appear as “to-do” list items within the my.fsu.edu portal. Please check your “to-do” list often and submit documents as soon as possible to avoid delays in aid disbursement. The most common documents that are requested are the verification worksheet and the tax transcript. Other documents may be requested to complete verification and these may be found on our Forms page. Additionally, the “to-do” list contains a link for each document that you must submit. Occasionally, the initial documentation received requires additional documentation to complete your file. Please continue to monitor your FSU email as well as your “to-do” list items regarding additional documents.
- The easiest way to ensure you are completing your FAFSA accurately is to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. This process eliminates the need to submit a tax transcript and is a feature built into the FAFSA process which allows you to transfer your income directly from the IRS into the FAFSA application.
- In case you are unable to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA, a tax transcript must be requested directly from the IRS: Instructions on how to obtain a tax transcript
- You may also request transcripts by phone or mail. The IRS contact number is (800) 908-9946. Please refer to the "Instructions on how to obtain a tax transcript" above for your IRS branch mailing address.
- Tax filers must follow prompts to enter their Social Security Number and the numbers in their street address. Generally this will be numbers of the street address that was listed on the latest tax return filed.
- Select the option to request an IRS Tax Return Transcript and then enter the year you are requesting.
- If successfully validated, tax filers can expect to receive a paper IRS Tax Return Transcript at the address included in their telephone request within 5 to 10 business days from the time the IRS receives the request.
- The easiest way to ensure you are completing your FAFSA accurately is to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. This process eliminates the need to submit a tax transcript and is a feature built into the FAFSA process which allows you to transfer your income directly from the IRS into the FAFSA application.
- In case you are unable to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA, a tax transcript must be requested directly from the IRS: Instructions on how to obtain a tax transcript
- You may also request transcripts by phone or mail. The IRS contact number is (800) 908-9946. Please refer to the "Instructions on how to obtain a tax transcript" above for your IRS branch mailing address.
- Tax filers must follow prompts to enter their Social Security Number and the numbers in their street address. Generally this will be numbers of the street address that was listed on the latest tax return filed.
- Select the option to request an IRS Tax Return Transcript and then enter the year you are requesting.
- If successfully validated, tax filers can expect to receive a paper IRS Tax Return Transcript at the address included in their telephone request within 5 to 10 business days from the time the IRS receives the request.
In some cases, a tax transcript may not be available or may require additional documentation:
Identity Theft
If you or your parent were a victim of tax related identity theft, then you must call the IRS’s Identity Protection Specialized Unit at (800) 908-4490 to request a “Tax Return DataBase View” (TRDBV) transcript. You must also submit a signed and dated statement indicating that you were A victim of tax-related identity theft and that the IRS has been made aware of it.
Amended Tax Returns
If you filed an amended tax return you will need to turn in a tax transcript along with a signed copy of your IRS Form 1040X.
Foreign Tax Returns
If you or your parent earned income in a foreign nation, you must submit the tax information issued by the tax authority in that country. Please convert the income into U.S. Dollars prior to submission.
Verification of Non-Filing
If you or your parent were not required to file a tax return, you may be required to verify that a tax return was not filed with the IRS. You will need to provide all W-2 forms as well as evidence of non-filing. To request verification of non-filing, please see the instructions below:
- Go to the IRS Website.
- Click on "File" on the homepage (top left under IRS logo).
- Under "Other Resources" click on "Tax Record".
- Click "Get Transcript ONLINE".
- Enter the non-tax filer's Social Security Number, email address, filing status, account numbers for loan or credit card associated with your name, and mobile phone associated with your name.
- Click "Continue"
- "Verification of Non-filing Letter" and in the Tax Year field, select the appropriate tax year
- If successfully validated, you will be able to view your IRS Verification of Non-filing Letter.