What is Verification?

The U.S. Department of Education selects students for the verification process. Once selected, a college or university financial aid office is required to verify selected items by collecting tax returns and other specified documents to compare the information with items on the student’s FAFSA. 

Beginning with the 2013-2014 academic year, the U.S. Department of Education will identify specific items that must be submitted if a student is selected for verification. Not all students will be required to turn in the same documentation. The type of documentation a student is required to submit depends upon the specific verification group in which a student is placed.

Examples of the different verification groups and corresponding documentation are listed below. Please be aware that this information can change from one aid year to another.  Details of what documentation is needed from a student will be posted on the student’s MyNortheast account.

Group 1:

  • Tax return transcript (only if the student did not use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA) 
  • Number of household members
  • Number in college 
  • Income earned from work for non-tax filers 

Group 2:

  • Reserved for FSA use only 

Group 3:

  • Reserved for FSA use only

Group 4:

  • High School Completion Status 
  • Identity/Statement of Educational Purpose

Group 5:

  • Tax return transcript (only if the student did not use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA) 
  • Number of household members 
  • Number in college 
  • Income earned from work for non-tax filers 
  • High School Completion Status 
  • Identity/Statement of Educational Purpose 

Group 6:

  • Reserved for FSA use only

Tax Return Documentation 

Option 1 (preferred and quickest). Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when completing the FAFSA online.

  • Students and parents have the option to automatically link to the IRS to transfer tax information to the FAFSA. 
  • The Federal Tax Return must be filed at least two weeks (if filing electronically) prior to using the FAFSA IRS Data Retrieval Tool to allow the IRS time to process the return. Paper tax return filing will require a longer wait time. 
  • Additional documentation may still be required to verify data not provided by the FAFSA IRS Data Retrieval Tool such as the institutional verification form for items like household size, number in college, and untaxed income. 
  • Certain tax filers may not be able to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool and will need to request an IRS Tax Return Transcript (see list below).

Tax filers not eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.

  • Filing status - Married Filing Separately
  • Filing status - Head of Household (when parent or student is married and filed the tax return either as head of household or married but filing a separate return)
  • Filed Amended Tax Return
  • Filed Foreign Tax Return
  • Recently filed taxes (less than two weeks ago)

Students and parents who did not use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when initially completing the FAFSA may log back into the FAFSA and use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool after filing their taxes.


Option 2. Request a Federal Tax Return Transcript from the IRS and submit the document to the Northeast State Financial Aid Office.

  • An official tax return transcript will be required for tax filers who are unable to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.
  • Additional documentation may also be required to verify data not provided such as copies of W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and verification form for such items as household size, number in college, and untaxed income.

How to Request a Tax Return Transcript:  

Online Request 

  • Available on the IRS website at www.IRS.gov  
  • In the Tools section of the homepage click “Order a Tax Return or Account Transcript”
  • Click "Order a Transcript" under step 3 and follow the instructions
  • In the Type of Transcript field, select "Return Transcript" and in the Tax Year field, select the appropriate tax year (NOTE: Name and address must be exactly as it was entered on your tax return)
  • IRS Tax Return Transcripts requested online cannot be sent directly to an institution
  • Once the student and/or parent receives the Tax Return Transcript, write the student's ID at the top of each page of the form before turning it into the Financial Aid Office

Telephone Request 

  • Available from the IRS by calling 1.800.908.9946 

Paper Request form - IRS Form 4506T-EZ 

  • Download form 4506T-EZ from the IRS website.
  • Complete the form according to the instructions.
  • Although Line 5 provides tax filers with the option to have their IRS Tax Return Transcript mailed directly to a third party by the IRS, it is not the recommended method as the institution may have difficulty matching a parent's incoming IRS Tax Return Transcript to the aid applicant, as the two names may be different.
  • Recommend the parent and/or student have the IRS Tax Return Transcript mailed directly to them and then submit the transcript to the Financial Aid Office after writing the student's ID at the top of each page of the transcript. 

Non-Tax Filers will be required to turn in additional information to document all sources of income.

Tax Return Documentation for Individuals Granted a Filing Extension by the IRS 

If a student/parent is required to file an IRS income tax return and has been granted a filing extension by the IRS, provide the following documents to the Financial Aid Office:

  • A copy of the IRS form 4868 that was filed with the IRS for the requested tax year AND
  • A copy of IRS Form W-2 for each source of employment income received for the requested tax year and, if self-employed, a signed statement certifying the amount of the individual’s AGI and the U.S. Income tax paid for the requested tax year AND
  • A copy of IRS Form 4506-T

Tax Return Documentation for Individuals Who Filed an Amended IRS Income Tax Return 

If a student/parent filed an amended IRS income tax return, provide both of the following:

  • A signed copy of the original IRS income tax return that was filed with the IRS or an IRS Tax Return Transcript (signature not required) for the requested tax year, AND
  • A signed copy of the IRS Form 1040X that was filed with the IRS. The form must be stamped by the IRS in order to validate its authenticity.

Tax Return Documentation for Individuals Who Were Victims of IRS Identity Theft 

A victim of IRS identity theft who has been unable to obtain an IRS Tax Return Transcript or use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool must provide a signed copy of the paper IRS income tax return that was filed with the IRS and a signed copy of IRS form 14039 “Identity Theft Affidavit,” if one was submitted to the IRS. If the individual did not keep a copy of Form 14039 or the IRS did not require the student/parent to submit one, the following must be provided:

  • A statement signed and dated by the individual indicating that the student and/or parent was a victim of IRS identity theft and that the IRS is investigating the matter. The statement must also indicate that the individual submitted a form 14039 to the IRS, but did not keep a copy of it or that it was not required; OR
  • A copy of a police report, if filed as a result of IRS identity theft.

Students who are eligible for certain Tennessee Educational Lottery Scholarships may be selected for verification even if they qualify for no other aid. In these cases, verification must be completed before an award can be offered to the student by Northeast State Community College.

Please contact the Financial Aid Office at Northeast State Community College if you have questions or if you are unsure if you have been selected for verification.

Financial Aid representatives are available to assist students with any questions or concerns regarding their eligibility. Contact the Financial Aid Office! In an effort to adhere to federal privacy laws, the Northeast State Community College Financial Aid Office restricts the release of certain private student information. Students must contact us personally to check the status of their financial aid application and awards. We may be able to release information to a third party (i.e., parent, spouse, etc.) with a signed release form on file from the student. A Third Party Release form can be obtained at Financial Aid Forms or in the Financial Aid Office in C2406. This form must be signed by the student in the presence of a financial aid representative.