What is verification?

Verification is a process required by the federal government that is intended to confirm that the data reported on your FAFSA is accurate.  We highly recommend using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on your FAFSA, to decrease your chances of being selected for verification, and to reduce the documentation that is required to be submitted to our office.

How will I know if I have been selected for verification?

You will receive an e-mail notification when you are required to submit additional documentation to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships (OFAS).  If you have any unsatisfied requirements you will be able to review your task list, complete, and e-sign your documents via your GVSU Financial Aid Portal. In order to receive financial aid, it is your responsibility to fulfill these requirements as requested and as soon as possible. You can check your unsatisfied requirements by following the instructions listed here.

How do I submit my unsatisfied requirements?

You may complete, upload, e-sign, and manage your financial aid requirements online by logging in to your GVSU Financial Aid portal. 

What is the deadline to complete verification requirements?

Except for students selected for Verification Tracking Group V4 and V5, students and parents of dependent students must submit all requested documents necessary to complete the verification process to OFAS by either the 120th calendar day following the student's last date of attendance at GVSU for the award year selected for verification; or the deadline date published annually in the Federal Register. The earlier of the two dates will be used. 

• 2022-2023 Award Year Verification Deadline - as published in the Federal Register: September 16, 2023
• 2023-2024 Award Year Verification Deadline - as published in the Federal Register: September 21, 2024 (tentative)

If you fail to provide documentation by the deadlines above, we will not be able to complete verification or disburse any Title IV financial aid for the academic year. If you're verified after your last date of enrollment, you may not be eligible for Title IV funds for other reasons. 

What happens once the verification process is complete?

The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships will notify you via email when the verification process is complete. We will make any necessary updates to your FAFSA on your behalf.  If this results in any changes to your financial aid award you will be notified via email. Any changes resulting from verification will be viewable on your myBanner and GVSU Financial Aid Portal account within 3-5 business days. 

You have three different options for requesting a Tax Return Transcript:

1. Online

• Visit: https://www.irs.gov/
• Click on "Get Your Tax Record" 
• Click on the “Get Transcript Online” button
• To register and use this service, you need:
  • your social security number, date of birth, filing status and mailing address from latest tax return,
  • access to your email account,
  • your personal account number from a credit card, mortgage, home equity loan, home equity line of credit or car loan, and
  • a mobile phone with your name on the account.
  • Note: If you do not have access to one of the items listed, you maybe not be able to use this tool.  If that is the case, you will need to utilize one of the options listed below.
• Once you have logged in, you will select a reason for the transcript i.e. “Higher Education/Student Aid”
• From the “Tax Return Transcript” box, choose the appropriate tax year
  • 2022-2023 academic year: 2020 taxes
  • 2023-2024 academic year: 2021 taxes
  • Note: If you have filed an amended tax return (1040X), you must also request a Tax Account Transcript or a Record of Account Transcript for that tax filing year.
• Your transcript will open up in a new window, which you can then send to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships via e-mail, fax, or US Mail.
• Note: You must have your pop-up blocker turned off.

2. Phone

• Call (800) 908-9946
• This may take 5-10 business days before the transcript is mailed.

3. Mail

• Visit: www.IRS.gov/form4506t to access the Form 4506-T
• Complete fields #1-3, and 4, if applicable
  • We highly advise against completing item #5 to have the transcript sent to GVSU.  We have experienced difficulty matching these transcripts up with the appropriate students in the past.
• On line 6a, list the type of federal tax return you filed (either 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ)
• Check box 6a for the Tax Return Transcript type
  • Note: If you have filed an amended tax return (1040X), you must also request a Tax Account Transcript (6b) for that tax filing year 
• On line 9 input 12/31/2020 to request a letter for 2020.  Input 12/31/2021 to request a letter for 2021.
• Sign the form and see page 2 of the form for instructions on where to send this form, based on the state you live in.
• Note: This may take 5-10 business days once the form is received by the IRS, for the transcript to be mailed to you.

You have two different options for requesting a Verification of Non-filing Letter:

1. Online

• Visit: https://www.irs.gov/
• Click on "Get Your Tax Record" 
• Click on the “Get Transcript Online” button
• To register and use this service, you need:
  • your social security number, date of birth, filing status and mailing address from latest tax return,
  • access to your email account,
  • your personal account number from a credit card, mortgage, home equity loan, home equity line of credit or car loan, and
  • a mobile phone with your name on the account.
  • Note: If you do not have access to one of the items listed, you maybe not be able to use this tool.  If that is the case, you will need to utilize one of the options listed below.
• Once you have logged in, you will select a reason for the transcript i.e. “Higher Education/Student Aid”
• From the “Verification of Non-filing” box, choose the appropriate tax year
  • 2022-2023 academic year: 2020 taxes
  • 2023-2024 academic year: 2021 taxes
• Your letter will open up in a new window, which you can then send to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships via e-mail, fax, or US Mail.
• Note: You must have your pop-up blocker turned off.

2. Mail

• Visit: www.IRS.gov/form4506t to access the Form 4506-T
• Complete fields #1-3, and 4, if applicable
  • We highly advise against completing item #5 to have the transcript sent to GVSU.  We have experienced difficulty matching these transcripts up with the appropriate students in the past.
• Check box 7 for the Verification of Non-filing Letter
• On line 9 input 12/31/2020 to request a letter for 2020.  Input 12/31/2021 to request a letter for 2021. 
• Sign the form and see page 2 of the form for instructions on where to send this form, based on the state you live in.
• Note: This may take 5-10 business days once the form is received by the IRS, for the transcript to be mailed to you.