Verification is a process to confirm that the information you provide on your FAFSA is accurate. Students are selected at random by system edits at the U.S. Department of Education or the university. This process occurs before or after a student is awarded financial aid. If you are selected for verification, the university will request certain documents from you to verify the information you report on your FAFSA. Submitting the requested documents in a timely manner helps to expedite the typical 7-10 day verification process.
- Submit all documents promptly
- By mail or in person:
Office of Student Financial Aid
105 Gilchrist Hall
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0024
- By fax: (319)273-6950
- By email: FIN_AID@UNI.EDU
- Make sure your name and UNI ID number is on each page of submitted documents.
- Make sure all documents contain requested signatures.
- Check your UNI email regularly for important correspondence.
Your financial aid will not disburse until we receive the requested information and any necessary changes have been processed. When verification is complete you will receive an email communication advising you to review your award notification online and accept/decline any new award.
The IRS Data Retrieval Tool allows applicants who have already filed their federal income tax return to populate some answers on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by transferring data directly from their federal income tax returns. Eligible applicants who choose to use the tool when completing their FAFSA will be temporarily transferred to the IRS web site. After the applicant has authenticated themselves, the IRS web site will display the data to be transferred to the FAFSA. The applicant may then choose whether or not to transfer the data. If selected for verification, an applicant who has used the IRS Data Retrieval tool to transfer data, in most cases, will not need to turn in a copy of their tax return transcript to the school. The IRS Data Retrieval Tool can be used 1-2 weeks after the federal income tax return is filed electronically and 6-8 weeks after filing a paper return. The IRS Data Retrieval Tool is available in early February each year to use on the initial FAFSA or corrections to the FAFSA.
- If an independent applicant is married and files separate federal income tax returns or a dependent applicant’s parents are married and file separate federal income tax returns (e.g., married filing separately or head of household).
- If the marital status of the applicant or parent (if the applicant is a dependent student) changes after December 31, 2012.
- If the applicant, spouse or parent files an amended income tax return (See “What if I filed an amended tax return?” below).
- If you file a foreign income tax return instead of or in addition to a US income tax return.
- If you do not have a valid Social Security number and file income tax returns using a Tax ID Number (TIN).
- If the home address listed on the FAFSA does not match the home address listed on the federal income tax return.
- A tax return is the original document (1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, etc.) including schedules and additional supporting forms you or your tax preparer file with the IRS.
- A tax return transcript is a line-by-line item listing of your tax return as it was originally filed with the IRS. Any schedules or additional forms filed will also be included in the transcript. The tax return transcript can only be obtained directly from the IRS and is used to verify the information submitted on your FAFSA.
- Request one electronically on the IRS website at www.irs.gov OR
- Call the IRS at 1-800-908-9946 and follow the prompts OR
- File Form 4506T or 4506T-EZ.
You must turn in a copy of your IRS Form 4868 Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, or if you have requested a further extension, a copy of the IRS’s approval of that. You must also provide copies of all your W2 forms, or if you are self-employed, a signed statement with the amount of your AGI. Once received we will process your verification and award your financial aid.
If you have filed or will file an amended tax return you will need to provide UNI with a signed copy of both the original tax return as well as the amended return (IRS Form 1040X) filed with the IRS.
