Verification

• What is verification?

  Verification is a process mandated by Federal regulations to confirm the information provided on the FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Selection for verification is random and can be based on FAFSA data that was incomplete, estimated, or inconsistent.

  The U.S. Department of Education selects students for the verification process. A-State will select others if there is conflicting information.

• Verification Tips

  Make sure all documents are signed by the student and by the parent(s), if applicable.

  Students should check their myAState account regularly. All communication from the financial aid office is posted there.

  Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA. This simplifies and expedites the process. Using the tool means students will not be required to submit a Federal tax return transcript.

  Make sure the number in the household and in college, on the verification form, matches the information on the FAFSA. If there has been a change, students may make a note on the verification form. Discrepancies will require follow up questions and may lengthen the verification process.

  Students required to complete an itemized worksheet must complete all items. If a family member or friend pays the student’s rent, it is fine. Financial aid needs to know what the cost would be for the student’s portion (rent/house payment divided by number living in the household) of the rent.

The Verification Process

• How do I know I've been selected?

  Students should ALWAYS log into their myAState account to check the status of their financial aid. Students selected for verification will have a checklist of requested items. A Student Aid Report (SAR) will also be sent from the Department of Education notifying students that they have been selected for verification.

• What do I do if I am selected for verification?

  Students selected for verification must provide required supporting documentation and a completed Astate verification form.

  These documents are compared to the information on the student’s FAFSA, and if necessary, corrections are made to the FAFSA by the institution.

  Students can view requested documents by logging into their Financial Aid Checklist through myAState.

• Am I required to complete verification?

  If a student is selected for verification, they MUST complete the process or forfeit eligibility for Federal Student Aid and other need-based aid.

• Is there a deadline to submit documents?

  While there is not a set timeframe, all requested information should be submitted by July 15 (Fall semester) or December 15 (Spring semester) in order for processing to be completed before class begins.

  All documents submitted after these dates will be processed as quickly as possible.

  All information should be submitted by the end of the semester in order to be processed for that semester.

Documents and Information

• Can I provide a copy of my actual tax return instead of an IRS Tax Return Transcript?

  Federal guidelines require A-State to only accept tax return transcripts. Students unable to obtain a tax return transcript online may try calling the IRS at: 1-800-908-9946. If that is unsuccessful, students must submit a paper request to the IRS. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506t.pdf

• Do I need to collect all documents before I turn them in?

  No. Students may turn in documents as they collect them. Make sure the student’s ID number is included on all pages of the submitted documents. Please be reminded, documents will NOT be reviewed until they are signed, and ALL requirements are satisfied.

  Submit documents:
  Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
  P.O. Box 1620
  State University, AR 72467
  Fax: (870) 972-2794

• Do I need to keep a copy of my paperwork?
  Yes. Students should keep a copy of paperwork submitted to our office such as tax forms, W2s, court documents, etc.
• What documents do I submit?

  Students should check their Financial Aid Checklist through myAState to determine what documentation is needed.

• How do I submit documents?

  Documents can be hand-delivered to the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office located on the 2nd floor of the Carl R. Reng Student Union.

  Documents can also be mailed to:
  Arkansas State University
  Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
  P.O. Box 1620
  State University, AR 72467

• Can I email my documents?

  Due to security concerns, it is not recommended for students to email sensitive information to the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office.

• Can I call to see if my documents were received?

  The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships receives more than 500 pieces of mail a day during peak times. Unfortunately, there is not time to stop processing students’ financial aid to check to see if paperwork has been received.

  Checklist requirements are satisfied when items have been processed. Students are encouraged to log into their myAState to check if paperwork has been received.

  If it has been more than five business days, and there is no change to the student’s myAState checklist, students should resubmit the requested item.

• I am unable to locate my W2s from last year. What can I do?
  Students may contact their employer for a reprint of the W2 or contact the IRS and request a wage statement at: http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Online-Ordering-for-Information-Returns-and-Employer-Returns.
• What is an itemized worksheet?

  A student or parent (if applicable) with unusually low income may be required to complete an itemized worksheet to explain how they supported themselves during the past year.

  The itemized worksheet will document the student's income and expenses.

  If the student was provided with assistance from a family member (such as rent), then the student will need to estimate the dollar amount of support represented by the assistance. For example, for rent, provide the student’s portion (rent/house payment divided by number living in the household).

• I have turned in all required documents. Why are there new requests for documentation?
  Many times during the verification process follow-up questions arise and need to be answered. Students are encouraged to check their myAState periodically for notification.

Tax Extensions, Amended Taxes, and Corrections

• I filed an extension. Do I have to wait until I file my taxes to finish verification?
  No. If students or parents filed an extension, submit the Form 4868 along with W2s from the previous year. If the student, spouse or parent owns a business or farm, submit a signed statement of wages from the previous year.
• I have to amend my taxes. How do I complete verification?
  Submit the completed and signed 1040x along with the original 1040, tax return transcript or any IRS transcript that includes all of the income and tax information required to be verified.
• Corrections to the FAFSA

  It is recommended for the student to not change their FAFSA to correct issues with verification. It is quicker and easier for the financial office to handle updates to the student’s FAFSA.

  If changes are made to the FAFSA to correct issues with verification, students must contact the financial aid office to notify us of the change so we may continue processing the aid. That is the only way we will know the issue has been resolved.

Awards

• Once verification is complete, when should I expect my awards to show?
  When verification is complete student awards could show up as early as the next day. However, if a correction was made to the FAFSA students should expect awards to show in 2-5 business days. During peak times this may take a few days longer to complete.
• I have turned in all of my information for verification. Why have I not received my award.

  Students should check their myAState account and make sure all requirements have been satisfied. There could be additional information requested or questions. If it has been at least ten days since all requirements were satisfied, students should contact the financial aid office at 870-972-2310 or finaid@astate.edu.