Verification Process

Federal verification is a process used to confirm that the data you reported on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is accurate.  If you are selected by the U.S. Department of Education, CSU is required to obtain documentation, such as a verification worksheet and federal tax information (FTI), to verify the information you reported on the FAFSA. 

If you are selected for verification, consenting to the IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX) when initially filing your FAFSA will ease the process and fulfill your FTI requirement.

Selected for Verification?

Step 1 - Complete the Verification Worksheet:

A Verification Worksheet must be submitted for all students selected for verification.  If the student is Dependent, the worksheet must also be signed by a parent.  The form can be downloaded via the Financial Aid Forms page.  Completed forms can be uploaded via the student’s CampusNet account or submitted to Campus 411, All-in-1, in BH116.

You may also be required to submit additional forms, including the IRS Tax Return Transcript (TRT) or a signed copy of your Federal Tax Return 1040 (along with schedules 1, 2, 3, C, or K-1 if filed).  Be sure to check your Financial Aid Status via the Financial Aid Tab on CampusNet for documents being requested.  We encourage you to check your CSU email account often as we will use this to send important information relating to your verification status and required documents.

Step 2 – Request and Submit an IRS Tax Return Transcript (TRT) or Signed Copy of Federal Tax Return:

If you or your parent(s) (if dependent) are not eligible to use the IRS DDX mentioned above, then an IRS tax return transcript  (TRT) must be requested and submitted to the CSU Financial Aid Office.  Note: for the 2025-2026 aid year, you will need to submit 2023 tax information (for 2026-2027, you will need to submit 2024 tax information).

In lieu of the IRS TRT, schools are now able to accept a signed copy of your Federal Tax Return 1040, along with schedules 1, 2, 3, C, or K-1, if filed (ink signature required if taxes were initially signed electronically).

If you or your parent(s) (if dependent) filed a joint return, AND are now separated, divorced, widowed or remarried, you/they must submit an IRS TRT or signed Federal return, as well as all W2 forms.

If you or your parent(s) (if dependent) filed an amended tax return, you/they must submit both an IRS TRT or signed Federal return AND a signed copy of the amended tax return (1040X).

Follow these instructions on How to Request a Tax Return Transcript.

IF YOU DID NOT FILE AN IRS TAX RETURN:

As a dependent student, if your parent(s) did not file a 2023 federal tax return (for the 2025-2026 FAFSA) and you receive notice that you have been selected for verification, they must obtain documentation from the IRS that they did not file.

As an independent student, if you did not file a 2023 federal tax return (for the 2025-2026 FAFSA) and you receive notice that you have been selected for verification, you must obtain documentation from the IRS that you did not file.

Follow these instructions on How to Request the IRS Verification of Non-Filing.

Special Circumstance Petition

We understand that this year’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may not represent your current financial situation. If there has been an unusual or significant change in your or your parent(s) income since the income year you reported on your FAFSA, you may appeal to have your financial aid eligibility re-evaluated.  If the Financial Aid Office approves your petition, corrections will be made that may result in an increase of aid eligibility (note, an increase in eligibility cannot be guaranteed).  This applies to undergraduate students only.

If you are a dependent student and your parent(s) experienced a loss of income during the past year; or if you are an undergraduate independent student and you or your spouse experienced a loss of income, please contact us at 216-687-5411 to determine if filing a Special Circumstance Appeal could be beneficial. 

Helpful Links and Forms:

Simple Steps to Transfer Tax Information into your FAFSA Form

FSA “Next Steps” for Verification Selection

IRS Get Transcripts FAQ