What is verification and who is selected?
Verification is the process of comparing the data on the student’s FAFSA with actual documentation. Augsburg is required by federal and state law, to collect the necessary documentation and verify certain data elements for any discrepancies. If a student is selected for verification, the process must be completed before any federal or state financial aid can be disbursed.
The U.S. Department of Education selects students for verification and does not disclose their selection criteria. You could be selected for verification at any time during the academic year, so it is essential to check your Augsburg email account and Augnet account at least once a week.
What type of documents are required for verification?
To verify certain data elements, we may request the following; however, this is not a complete list. Requested documents will be on an individual student basis and verification status.
- Augsburg Verification Form (2023-2024)
- Signed copy of Tax Form 1040. Here’s an example of a 1040 Tax Form
- IRS Tax Return Transcript(s) from the student, the student’s spouse (if student is married)
and/or the student’s parents (if student is dependent). IRS Tax Return Transcripts can be
obtained at: www.irs.gov Here’s an example of an IRS Tax Return Transcript - Other requested documentation such as wage and income transcript or non-filing letter
- W-2 form from employer
- Documentation of a high school diploma, recognized equivalent or home
school credentials - A copy of valid (e.g., unexpired) government-issued photo identification, such
as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID - A signed statement of education purpose
- Documentation of other untaxed income not reported on your federal tax
form - Clarification of parents’ marital status, number in the household and/or number in college.
What is acceptable tax return documentation?
Students may be able to link their and/or their parent’s tax information electronically when completing the FAFSA via IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) process, submit signed copies of your 1040 form submitted to the IRS, or provide us with a copy of your IRS Tax Return Transcripts. To obtain tax return transcripts visit the IRS website, select either “Get Transcript ONLINE” or “Get Transcript by MAIL.” Students who wish to access their transcript online must first register as a user with the IRS website for security purposes.
How do I determine the number of people in my household?
Part of the verification process includes students reporting how many individuals are living in their household. For dependent students the number in household should include parents, and any dependents for which the parents provide more than 50 percent of the dependent’s annual support, such as the student’s siblings. Parents cannot be counted as “in college” for dependent students. For independent students the number in household should include spouse (if student is legally married) and number of dependents for which the student provides more than 50 percent of the dependent’s annual support. Generally, parents, siblings and other non-custodial minors should not be counted in an independent student’s household.
I (or my parent) listed the tax return filing status as “Will File.” What does that mean for verification?
When completing the FAFSA, students and parents are allowed to claim their current tax filing status as “Will File,” which indicates the tax filer will file taxes for the year at a later date. Those who claim “Will File” are allowed to use reasonable approximations when reporting financial information on the FAFSA. The expectation when completing the FAFSA with a “Will File” tax status is that the applicant will update the FAFSA at a later date when the taxes have been completed so accurate data can be reported. Claiming “Will File” does not exempt a student from verification. Students and parents (if student is dependent) must provide a tax return in order for verification to be completed.
What if my parents, or I, will not file taxes?
Students or parents of students who are not required to file taxes are exempt from providing a tax return; however, non-filers must still report any income received for the year for verification purposes on the Augsburg Verification Form. Furthermore, if during the process of verification the financial aid office discovers a student or parent is required to complete a tax return, but has not yet done so, then verification will not continue until taxes have been filed. For information concerning tax filing requirements, visit your the IRS Website.
What happens if my application is selected for verification after I have received my financial aid?
Aid recipients, who are subsequently selected for verification, by the Department of Education, due to changes made by the student and/or institution, must resolve all verification requirements. A student’s
failure to resolve this issue by the end of their enrollment period will have all federal aid and state aid returned.
How can I complete my verification with Augsburg?
It’s very simple! Access your Student Account and identify the list of requirements and submit them to us as soon as possible. We can accept your documents via:
- In-person
- Secure File Exchange
- Fax
What happens once I submit all verification documents?
After all requested information is submitted to the Financial Aid Office, the student’s file will be reviewed. If we have further questions, the student will be contacted for additional clarification. It is the student’s responsibility to respond to these requests for information. Failing to do so will result in an incomplete financial aid application, which will delay the completion of your financial aid award.