Verification Frequently Asked Questions
How will I be notified if verification is required?
The University will send you a Missing Information Letter (MIL) notice advising you that your FAFSA has been selected for verification. This notice will be sent to your permanent address, campus address (if school is in session), or e-mail account. Multiple notices may be sent until documentation is gathered to complete the verification process.
What documents are typically required for verification?
Typical documents required are copies of student and/or spouse or parent prior year federal tax return transcripts and a verification worksheet, but may include additional documents to fully verify your FAFSA information. Make sure that all documents are signed and the student’s name and ID number are noted.
What is the IRS Data Retrieval tool?
For students and parents of dependent students, you may retrieve your federal tax information directly from the IRS as you file your FAFSA. To take advantage of this option, electronic tax filers must wait at least 1-2 weeks prior to using this option and paper tax filers must wait at least 6-8 weeks. Exceptions: Students who are married as well as parents of dependent students who are married but file federal taxes separately from their spouse.
Will I be required to submit federal tax return transcripts if I used the IRS Data Retrieval tool to transfer my tax data into my FAFSA?
If you were able to retrieve your prior year federal tax information directly from the IRS database AND submitted the tax data unchanged, then you may not be required to submit tax return transcripts to UIndy. UIndy will identify all FAFSAs where successful transfers occurred and waive the need to collect student, spousal, and/or parent tax return transcripts. You will only receive a request for these tax documents if your data transfer was unsuccessful, you changed the data before transferring, or if UIndy determines that copies will alleviate discrepant information in the verification process.
Can I go back into my FAFSA and use the IRS Data Retrieval tool?
Yes. It is the recommended option. Go to FAFSA.gov, log into the student’s FAFSA record, select “Make FAFSA Corrections,” and navigate to the Financial Information section(s) of the form. From there, follow the instructions to determine if you and/or your parent(s) or spouse are eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to transfer your 2011 IRS income tax information into your FAFSA.
If I am not eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval tool, how may I request a federal tax return transcript from the IRS?
If you and/or your parent(s) or spouse are ineligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval tool, you may order a federal tax return transcript from the IRS online at www.irs.gov or by phone at 1-800-908-9946. We advise that you keep a copy of the transcript before submitting to UIndy as the IRS will typically only allow you to request one copy per online order for each tax year. However, if you should need to request a second or subsequent return transcript copy, you may do so but may need to wait several weeks after your first online request. You may also walk in to an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center with a photo ID to request a second copy. Find a tax center near you. ►
Where can I find the verification worksheet if I should misplace the form sent to me by the school?
You may find the verification worksheet (Dependent or Independent) and other Financial Aid forms on the Financial Aid Forms page. You also may obtain a copy directly from the Office of Financial Aid in Esch Hall, Suite 141.
How can I determine if my verification documents have been received?
You may monitor outstanding financial aid document requests through your My UIndy self-service access. Once logged into My UIndy, you may select several options from a Financial Aid Status menu.
What happens if I don’t provide the required forms and documents?
Before your application for financial aid may be reviewed, it is necessary to complete the verification process mandated by the federal government. During the FAFSA application signature process, you made an agreement “to provide information that will verify the accuracy of your completed form." If you do not submit the requested documentation, the University cannot complete the verification process. No further action will be taken on your request for financial aid. Students who may also be eligible for the state funds could risk losing their award eligibility if the required verification forms and documents are not provided to our office prior to the May 15th state edit deadline.
What if I am filing for an IRS tax extension?
If your FAFSA has been selected for verification and either you and/or your parent(s)/spouse has been granted an IRS-approved tax filing extension, the University shall (in accordance with federal guidelines) accept alternative documentation to complete your verification. This documentation includes: (1) Copy of your IRS-approved extension form (4868); (2) two year’s prior federal tax return transcripts; (3) copies of prior year W2s; and (4) other income source documents that may be helpful in estimating your FAFSA data. You also must submit a verification worksheet and all other verification documents as requested by UIndy. This pre-tax filing verification will be utilized to assess aid eligibility for federal, state, and university funds.
What documentation is needed if I amended my federal taxes?
You will still be required to submit a prior year federal tax return transcript for you as well as your parent(s) or spouse and a verification worksheet. However, you will also be required to submit a federal tax account transcript for the taxpayer (student, parent(s), or spouse) who amended his/her federal taxes. Other verification forms may be necessary but will be requested by UIndy if needed.
How do I submit my verification forms?
You may submit your form(s) to the Office of Financial Aid in one of three methods:
- Mail to -- 1400 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227, Attention Financial Aid; or
- Fax to -- (317)-788-6136; or
- Drop off directly to the Office of Financial Aid located in Esch Hall, Suite 141.
How will I know when the verification process has been completed and my aid finalized?
You will receive an official award letter from the Office of Financial Aid, typically 3-4 weeks after you submit all of your required documents. If you had previously been packaged with financial aid and verification became necessary after an award letter was sent, you will receive a revised award letter to detail your final aid eligibility. If corrections were necessary to your FAFSA during the verification review, you will also receive an updated Student Aid Report Acknowledgement from the Federal Processing Center.