Verification Guide

Students who apply for federal assistance may be selected for a federally mandated process called verification. The verification process requires that you submit documentation to verify the data provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please understand the verification process is triggered by the Department of Education when the FAFSA is processed. Rarely does Morris College select students to be verified.

The Financial Aid Office will notify you by mail and/or email if you have been selected for verification. Note: verification documents are handled with the strictest confidentiality.

Documents needed to complete the federal verification process:

  1. Federal Verification Worksheet, which can be found via the Financial Aid Verification drop-down menu.
  2. Federal IRS tax return verification, which can be found via the Financial Aid Verification drop-down menu. The FAFSA IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) is available to use with the FAFSA form. The IRS DRT allows students and parents who filed a U.S. tax return with the IRS to access the IRS tax return information needed to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and transfer the data directly into their FAFSA. Additional security and privacy protections have been added to address concerns that data from the tool could be used by identity thieves to file fraudulent tax returns. Additional information about the IRS DRT may be found via Federal Student Aid.
  3. If you are unable to use the IRS DRT, you will need to request an IRS Tax Return Transcript or submit a signed copy of the federal tax return. Instructions for requesting a Tax Return Transcript are indicated below: “How to get an IRS Tax Return Transcript from the IRS.”
  4. If you are eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, we highly recommend using the tool for several reasons:
    • The IRS DRT remains the easiest, fastest, most accurate way to input your tax return information into the FAFSA form.
    • It is the best way of ensuring that your FAFSA has accurate tax information.
    • You will not need to provide a copy of the actual tax return.
  5. To access the FAFSA IRS Data Retrieval Tool:
    • Log into your FAFSA.
    • Click the Financial Information Tab.
    • Answer the questions in the first box to see if you are eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.
    • If eligible, enter the FSA ID for the student/parent providing the information.
    • Click “Link to IRS”.
    • Review the information displayed and add other required information.
    • Select the “Transfer My Information into the FAFSA” option.
  6. If you are not eligible to use the  IRS Data Retrieval Tool and Morris College requests a copy of your or your parents’ tax return, you will be required to obtain an official IRS Tax Return Transcript from the IRS or submit a signed copy of the U.S. 1040/1040A/1040EZ Tax Return.
  7. How to get an IRS Tax Return Transcript:
    • Make sure to request the IRS Tax Return Transcript: not the IRS Tax Account Transcript.
    • Online: On the IRS website select “Get Transcript” (http://www.irs.gov/individuals/Get-Transcipt) to request the IRS Tax Return Transcript be mailed to your address on record. Transcripts arrive in 5 to 10 calendar days at the address IRS has on file for you. If not available Online try by phone.
    • Call the IRS at 1-800-908-9946. Follow the prompts to enter your Social Security number and street address. Select “Option 2” to request an IRS Tax Return Transcript and then enter the appropriate tax year (Amended filers will also choose the IRS Tax Account Transcript option). If successfully validated, you can expect to receive the paper Tax Return Transcript at the address that was used in the telephone request within 5 to 10 days from the time the IRS receives the request.
  8. What if I did not file an IRS tax return? The Verification Worksheet provides instructions for students/parents who did not file a tax return.  You may be required to provide documentation of all untaxed income received.
  9. When can I order my tax return transcripts? The timing of when you can successfully request a copy of your Tax Return Transcripts depends on if you owe taxes at the time of filing, and if you filed electronically or by paper.

Download the Verification Instructions here