FAFSA Verification

After submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the U.S. Department of Education may require that a student's application be selected for review in a process called 'Verification'.  This process includes providing documentation to Student Financial Services to verify the accuracy of the information submitted on the FAFSA and to finalize eligibility for federal student aid.  Verification must be completed before federal financial aid can process and disburse to the college.  

Students are notified by SUNY Delhi's Student Financial Services office via email and/or mail (to their permanent address on file) of the specific items to be submitted that may include federal tax forms or proof of non-filing, W-2s, household size and number of household members in college. To view your outstanding financial aid requirements, including verification items, log in to your Bronco Web and click on 'Financial Aid' > 'Eligibility'.

 

Potential FAFSA Verification Items:

Verification Form:

This form is used to verify the number of eligible household members, and who will be attending college for the academic year that aid is being requested.  This form also provides information on the type of income or non-tax filing information we will need to collect based on your situation.

Tax Information:

The FAFSA requires tax information to be reported from two years prior to the academic year. For example, a student entering the 2023-2024 academic year would report 2021 income information on the FAFSA.  

Typically, the easiest and most secure method to provide tax information for both student and parent tax filers is to use the online FAFSA IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT).  This option allows the student or parent to easily transfer their tax information directly to the FAFSA securely and accurately from the Internal Revenue System (IRS).  

Other acceptable documentation includes signed federal taxes (form 1040) and all schedules, or a Tax Return Transcript from the IRS.  

Other Income Information:

Students or parents who did not file taxes but received a W-2 from their employer are required to submit all W-2 forms for the applicable aid year.  Other situations may require a tax filer to provide W-2 information.

Non-Tax Filers:

Independent students or parents of dependent students who did not and were not required to file taxes will need to submit an IRS Verification of Non-Tax Filing letter.  Non-tax filers can request this letter using the methods below:

1. Online through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website
2. Request a copy of the letter by submitting IRS form 4506-T to the IRS as listed on our Forms web page.

Document Submission: 

Students can submit documentation to Student Financial Services by using our secure upload form.  The link to this form is available by logging in to Bronco Web and clicking on ‘ Financial Aid’ and then ‘Upload Financial Aid Documents.'

Have Questions?

Check out our commonly asked FAFSA verification questions below.  If you need further assistance, visit our Connect Virtually web page for various ways to get in touch, including virtual appointments.  

Most Common Verification Questions

I need to submit a form for verification but misplaced my copy.  Where can I get another copy of the form?

Visit our Forms web page to view our downloadable forms.  You may also have the option to download the form via your Bronco Web after clicking on 'Financial Aid' > 'Eligibility.'  If a member of SFS has reviewed your prior submission of information/form, you may have also received an email with a specific supplemental form attached.

Are electronic signatures accepted on the verification forms?

Forms must have a written signature, whether it be handwritten or electronic by finger or stylus. Typed signatures are not acceptable. We can accept copies of signed forms, except for the 'Citizenship Affidavit' and the 'Identity and Statement of Educational Purpose' forms. 

Why was my application selected for verification?

The U.S. Department of Education selects FAFSA applications for verification randomly when initially submitted and often when a subsequent correction is made by the student or parent of a dependent student.

If I use the FAFSA Data Retrieval Tool (DRT), do I still have to submit a copy of my taxes?

Typically, no. If you successfully use the DRT and agree to transfer your tax information, you will not need to submit copies of your taxes unless you amended your return.  If your taxes were amended, we would only need a signed copy of your 1040X that was filed with the IRS or an IRS Tax Account Transcript.  

Can I still use the FAFSA Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) option if I already submitted my FAFSA?

Yes.  You and/or your parent can log back in to your FAFSA and choose to use the DRT option if taxes were filed for the applicable year.  Any changes made to your FAFSA after the initial submission will be sent to the school for review. 

I do not qualify to use the FAFSA Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) and/or I cannot obtain a copy of my tax return (1040).  How can I get a copy of an IRS Tax Return Transcript?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website offers tax filers a service to request a free transcript of their taxes either online or by mail.

I was asked to submit copies of my W-2 forms but I cannot locate them.  What should I do?

We suggest contacting the employer who issued that W-2 and request another copy.  If that is not an option, you can request an 'IRS Wage and Tax Transcript' online from the Internal Revenue System (IRS) or by completing the paper IRS form 4506-T to request a copy of the transcript be mailed to you.

I am being asked to submit the Identity and Statement of Educational Purpose form.  What is the purpose of this form and what do I do?

If the Department of Education has requested that the school verify your identity and that you intend to use federal financial aid, you must complete this form in the presence of a Notary or in person with a member of Student Financial Services (SFS).

I recently submitted a verification document to SFS, how do I know if it was received?

You can review the status of your document submissions (within 24 to 48 business hours) by logging in to your Bronco Web and clicking on ‘Financial Aid’ > ‘Eligibility.’  Here you will see items and their current status.  For example, if you submit parent tax information, the requirement status might state the following:

• Received/Pending Review: This status indicates that your submission has been received and will be reviewed in the order it was received. 
• Incomplete; Check Delhi Email: This means that a member of SFS has reviewed your submission but either needs additional information or clarification, and has sent a message to your SUNY Delhi email account. 
• Requirement Satisfied: We have received the information needed and no further action is necessary from the student.