Federal Verification
The US Department of Education selects certain FAFSA files for a review process called verification. If your FAFSA is selected for verification, the SUNY Cortland Financial Aid Office is required to request certain documents that support the information provided on the FAFSA.
After submitting your FAFSA, the student will receive an electronic Student Aid Report (SAR), which will indicate if you have been selected for federal verification. In addition, the SUNY Cortland Financial Aid Office will notify the student via myRedDragon regarding required documentation that must be submitted to satisfy federal verification requirements.
Only complete verification documents if you have been selected for verification.
Required Verification Documentation
Verification Worksheet: submit the appropriate verification worksheet based on the dependency status reported on the FAFSA.
2024-2025 Verification Worksheet:
Dependent Worksheet
Independent Worksheet
2023-2024 Verification Worksheet:
Tax information: Submit tax information from the tax year used when completing your FAFSA.
Students applying for financial aid for 2024-2025 will submit tax information from 2022.
Students applying for financial aid for 2023-2024 will submit tax information from 2021.
You may submit your tax information through one of the following methods:
- If you are unable to utilize the Financial Aid Direct Data Exchange on the FAFSA, please submit a copy of your IRS Tax Return Transcript.
- If you are unable to utilize the Financial aid Direct Data Exchange on the FAFSA or submit a copy of your IRS Transcript, you may submit a signed copy of your federal tax return with applicable tax schedules.
Did not file taxes? If the student or parent did not file taxes, the following is required.
- Dependent Students: If the student did work and did not file taxes, no additional documentation is required. Check the first box in the student section of the verification worksheet. If the student did not file taxes but did work, submit copies of all federal W2s and check the appropriate box of the student section of the verification worksheet.
- Independent Students: If the student and student’s spouse (if married) did not file taxes, the student must submit the IRS Verification of non-filing for the tax year reported on the FAFSA.
- Parents: If the parent(s) did not file taxes, the parent must submit the IRS Verification of non-filing for the tax year reported on the FAFSA.
Verification FAQs
What if I cannot utilize the Direct Data Exchange on the FAFSA?
If you are not eligible for the Direct Data Exchange on the FAFSA for your income information, please submit a copy of the IRS Tax Return Transcript or signed copy of the tax returns and applicable tax schedules.
Students applying for financial aid for 2024-2025 will submit tax information from 2022.
Students applying for financial aid for 2023-2024 will submit tax information from 2021.
How do I request an IRS Tax Return Transcript?
If the student or parent is unable to Direct Data Exchange on the FAFSA, you can request an IRS Tax Return Transcript. A transcript can be requested online, by phone or by mail.
To request online: Go to the IRS Transcript website and select the option to either “Get Transcript online” or “Get Transcript by mail”. Please select transcript type “IRS Tax Return Transcript” (not “IRS Tax Account Transcript”).
- If you selected to receive your transcript online, it will be offered to you immediately after verifying your identity and creating username. Provide a copy to our office when received.
- If you selected to receive your transcript by mail, indicate your home address and submit a copy to our office once received.
To request an IRS Tax Return Transcript by phone, call 1-800-908-9946. Indicate your home address and submit a copy to our office once received. To request an IRS Tax Return transcript by paper request, complete the IRS Form 4506T-EZ and mail to the applicable IRS Office.
How do I request an IRS Verification of Non-Filing?
If the independent student or parent did not, or was not required to file a tax return for the applicable tax year, please submit an IRS Verification of non-filing.
A transcript can be requested online, by phone or by mail.
To request online: Go to the IRS Transcript website and select the option to either “Get Transcript online” or “Get Transcript by mail”. Select transcript type “verification of non-filing”.
- If you selected to receive your transcript online, it will be offered to you immediately after verifying your identity and creating username. Provide a copy to our office when received.
- If you selected to receive your transcript by mail, indicate your home address and submit a copy to our office will received.
To request an IRS Tax Return Transcript by phone call 1-800-908-9946. Indicate your home address and submit a copy to our office once received. To request an IRS Tax Return transcript by paper request, complete the IRS Form 4506-T and mail to the applicable IRS Office.
What if the student/parent an IRA/ pension rollover reflected on my tax return?
If you rolled any portion of a distribution from pensions, annuities, profit sharing, IRAs and / or retirement plans, you must submit a signed copy of the 1099R form and signed copy of the federal tax return for the applicable tax year.
What if the student/parent filed Non US Tax Returns?
If you and/or your parent(s) filed a tax return in a U.S. territory such as Puerto Rico or in a foreign country, please submit signed copies of the foreign tax returns with dollar amounts converted to U. S. currency or the territory’s tax return.
What if the student/ parent was a victim of identity theft?
If you have been a victim of identity theft, you cannot obtain an IRS Tax Return Transcript until the issue has been resolved by the IRS.
Tax filers must submit a Tax Return Database View (TRDBV) Transcript by calling the IRS at 800-908-4490. Submit a copy of the TRDBV to our office along with a signed/dated statement that you were a victim of IRS tax-related identity theft and the IRS has been made aware of the tax-related identity theft.
What if the student/parent filed an amended tax return?
If the student or parent filed an amended tax return, please submit the following:
- Original income tax information via the FAFSA Direct Data Exchange, IRS Tax Return Transcript or copy of tax return signed with all applicable schedules
- Signed copy of the IRS 1040x Amended Tax Return
What if my income situation has changed since filing the FASFA?
Please refer to our special circumstances website regarding change of income or other circumstances that can be considered by the financial aid office.