Verification Requirements
What is verification?
Don’t be alarmed if your FAFSA is selected for verification. This is completely normal and happens to students often.
Colleges use verification to confirm that the information provided on your FAFSA is accurate. If you’re selected for verification, you’ll need to provide some additional documentation for your financial aid application to be processed. This may include:
- Submitting your tax return transcript or letter of non-filing from the IRS
- Completing a household size, income verification, or state residency worksheet
- Verifying your status as a financially independent student.
Colleges won’t award your eligible financial aid until you provide the requested items. To learn more about the verification process, read What's FAFSA Verification from College Board.
Even if verification isn’t listed on your FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS), you may be selected for it. Be sure to check your email and college portals often to see if your application has been flagged and needs follow-up
Will my TASFA be selected for verification?
If you submit a TASFA, you will not be selected for verification. However, colleges and universities may still require you to submit additional documents before they process your application. Some documents that they could request are:
- Proof of income
- Dependent student worksheet
- Court documentation
- Selective service registration
Again, be sure to check your email and college portals often to see what documents may be required. Reach out to the student financial aid office for each college or university if you have questions about their specific requirements.
Tip: The important takeaway is that you’ll need to follow all instructions and meet all deadlines for financial aid applications required by your college. If you have questions, reach out to your college’s financial aid office for guidance.