Gonzaga University will notify you if you have been selected for verification. Only students selected for verification must submit documentation. If you have not been selected for verification you are not required to submit documentation.
What is Verification?
Verification is the process established by the U.S. Department of Education to verify or confirm the accuracy of the information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students are randomly selected for federal verification by the Department of Education Federal Processor and placed in one of the three verification tracking groups. The verification tracking groups will determine specific FAFSA elements that must be verified in order to be eligible for Title IV (federal aid) funding.
Verification Tracking Groups
- Standard Verification Group (V1)
- Tax Filers (student, student spouse, parent, and parent spouse/partner) must verify: adjusted gross income, income earned from work, U.S. income tax paid, untaxed portions of IRA distributions, untaxed portions of pensions, IRA deductions and payments, tax exempt interest income, education tax credits, foreign income exempt from federal taxation, and family size.
- Non-tax Filers (student, student spouse, parent, and parent spouse/partner) must verify: income earned from work and family size.
- Custom Verification Group (V4)
- Students must verify their identify and provide a statement of educational purpose.
- Aggregate Verification Group (V5)
- This group must verify elements from both V1 and V4. Tax filers and non-tax filers must verify the items listed in the standard verification group as well as their identify and sign a statement of educational purpose.
Participation in the verification process is not optional. If selected for verification, students must submit the requested documentation in a timely manner, as financial aid funds may be held from disbursement until verification has been processed. Delay in submission of requested documents could result in outstanding student account balances, leading to financial holds preventing registration and transcripts.
How will I know if I've been selected for Verification?
You will be notified of your selection for verification through Zagweb. When you log into Zagweb and select the "Financial Aid" tile, you will see verification listed under your "unsatisfied student requirements".
You have been selected for Verification. What's next?
If you are required to submit verification of your identity and provide a signed statement of your educational purpose, please contact the Financial Aid Office to determine what steps are needed to complete this requirement.
If you are required to submit verification of your family size and income please submit the verification form and provide appropriate documentation needed to verify income.
Ready to complete your verification form?
The drop-down menus below will help you understand how to complete the verification form and what documentation would be needed to verify your income. To understand how to complete your verification form, locate the appropriate drop-down menu categorized by either a "dependent" or "independent". To determine if you are a "dependent" or "independent", please see descriptions below.
Dependent Student
Defined as a student who does not meet any of the criteria for an independent student. An independent student is one of the following: at least 24 years old, married, a graduate or professional student, a veteran, a member of the armed forces, an orphan, a ward of the court, someone with legal dependents other than a spouse, an emancipated minor or someone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Nearly all undergraduates are considered dependent students.
This section of the form requests the full name, age, relationship to the student and college enrollment (if applicable) of all members included in the family. Please list the following family members on this section of the form:
- Student
- Parent (and their spouse) even if the student is not living with them.
- In the case of divorce, the parent that provides over half of the student's financial support over the 12 month period immediately prior to FAFSA filing will be listed as the parent of record on the FAFSA. If this parent has remarried, the step-parent would also be listed as a family member.
- Parent's dependent children if they live with the parent or live apart due to a period of temporary absence (e.g., college enrollment) and the parent provides and will continue to provide, more than half of their financial support between July 1 and June 30 of FAFSA award year.
- In the case of divorce, other children can be included if the parent(s) are providing over half of their financial support during the 12 month period immediately prior to FAFSA filing.
- Other people who live with the parent and the parent will provide more than half of their financial support between July 1 and June 30 of FAFSA award year.
This section will assess the student's earnings and income for the tax year listed on the verification form. There are three options listed on the verification form. To understand which option to select, please review the following information.
- Filed a Federal IRS Tax Return (1040 Form), Puerto Rican or Foreign Tax Return
- Select this box if the student filed a Federal IRS Tax Return (1040 Form), Puerto Rican or Foreign Tax Return. If selected, and the student authorized consent to utilize the Future Act - Direct Data Exchange (FA - DDX) to transfer Federal Tax Information (FTI), if the FTI transfer was successful and data elements unchanged, the tax information will be considered verified and we will not request further tax information. If the FTI was not successful, please submit EITHER a signed copy of the student's 1040 Tax Return with applicable Schedules that were filed with the IRS or tax authority, OR a Tax Return Transcript or other acceptable alternative tax transcript from the IRS or relevant tax authority.
- Requesting a Tax Transcript:
- IRS Individual Online Account
- Contact the IRS by phone at 800.908.9946
- Mail or Fax Paper IRS Form 4506-T or 4506T-EZ
- Requesting a Tax Transcript:
- Select this box if the student filed a Federal IRS Tax Return (1040 Form), Puerto Rican or Foreign Tax Return. If selected, and the student authorized consent to utilize the Future Act - Direct Data Exchange (FA - DDX) to transfer Federal Tax Information (FTI), if the FTI transfer was successful and data elements unchanged, the tax information will be considered verified and we will not request further tax information. If the FTI was not successful, please submit EITHER a signed copy of the student's 1040 Tax Return with applicable Schedules that were filed with the IRS or tax authority, OR a Tax Return Transcript or other acceptable alternative tax transcript from the IRS or relevant tax authority.
- I have income but am not required to file a Federal IRS Tax Return
- Select this box if the student made income but was NOT required to file a Federal IRS Tax Return. If selected, please upload all copies of IRS Form W-2's for each source of employment income received or an equivalent document for the appropriate tax year. If the student made income but did not receive a W-2, please provide a signed and dated statement certifying:
- The sources and amounts of earnings, other income, and resources that financially supported the student.
- Select this box if the student made income but was NOT required to file a Federal IRS Tax Return. If selected, please upload all copies of IRS Form W-2's for each source of employment income received or an equivalent document for the appropriate tax year. If the student made income but did not receive a W-2, please provide a signed and dated statement certifying:
- I have zero income and am not required to file a Federal IRS Tax Return
- Select this box if the student made zero income and was not required to file a Federal IRS Tax Return. No additional documentation is needed.
This section will assess the parent(s) income for the tax year listed on the verification form. There are three options listed on the verification form. To understand which option to select, please review the following information.
- Filed a Federal IRS Tax Return (1040 Form), Puerto Rican or Foreign Tax Return
- Select this box if the parent(s) filed a Federal IRS Tax Return (1040 Form), Puerto Rican or Foreign Tax Return. If selected, and parental consent was provided authorizing the Future Act - Direct Data Exchange (FA - DDX) to transfer Federal Tax Information (FTI) and FTI data elements were unchanged, the tax information will be considered verified and we will not request further tax information. If the FTI was not successful, or if the parents did not file a joint tax return, please submit EITHER a signed copy of the parent(s) 1040 Tax Return with applicable Schedules that were filed with the IRS or tax authority, OR a Tax Return Transcript or other acceptable alternative tax transcript from the IRS or relevant tax authority. Please note that in the case of divorce or separation, we will need to verify income of the parent of record (the parent that provides over half of the financial support for the student). If the parent of record has remarried, we will also need to verify the income of the step-parent.
- Requesting a Tax Transcript:
- IRS Individual Online Account
- By phone at 800.908.9946
- By mail request a paper IRS Form 4506-T or 4506T-EZ
- Requesting a Tax Transcript:
- Select this box if the parent(s) filed a Federal IRS Tax Return (1040 Form), Puerto Rican or Foreign Tax Return. If selected, and parental consent was provided authorizing the Future Act - Direct Data Exchange (FA - DDX) to transfer Federal Tax Information (FTI) and FTI data elements were unchanged, the tax information will be considered verified and we will not request further tax information. If the FTI was not successful, or if the parents did not file a joint tax return, please submit EITHER a signed copy of the parent(s) 1040 Tax Return with applicable Schedules that were filed with the IRS or tax authority, OR a Tax Return Transcript or other acceptable alternative tax transcript from the IRS or relevant tax authority. Please note that in the case of divorce or separation, we will need to verify income of the parent of record (the parent that provides over half of the financial support for the student). If the parent of record has remarried, we will also need to verify the income of the step-parent.
- I have income but am not required to file a Federal IRS Tax Return or I have zero income and am not required to file a Federal IRS Tax Return.
- If the box is selected that indicates the parent(s) made income but were not required to file a Federal IRS Tax Return, under IRS or other relevant tax authority rules (e.g., the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, a U.S. territory or commonwealth of a foreign government), then we will need to request a Verification of Non-Filing Letter from the IRS as well as all copies of IRS Form W-2's for each source of employment income received or an equivalent document for the appropriate tax year. If the parent made income but did not receive a W-2, a signed and dated statement certifying:
- The sources and amounts of earnings, other income, and resources earned by the parent(s) for the year on the verification form.
- If the box is selected that indicates the parent(s) have zero income and are not required to file a Federal IRS Tax Return, then we will need to request a Verification of Non-Filing Letter from the IRS. A Verification of Non-Filing Letter states that the IRS has no record of a processed Form 1040 - series tax return as of the date of the request. Below is information on how to request a Verification of IRS Non-Filing Letter.
- Request Online Verification of Non-Filing
- Select "Get Transcript Online".
- Follow instructions for creating an account or log in. To create an account, you will need your Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number, email address, birthdate, mailing address from latest tax return, tax filing status, account number for loan or credit card associated with you name, and mobile phone associated with your name.
- Select "Verification of Non-Filing Letter" and in the Tax Year field, enter the tax year listed on the verification form.
- If successfully validated, you will be able to view your IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter.
- Request by Telephone
- Available from the IRS by calling 1.800.908.9946
- Non-filers can expect to receive a paper IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter at the address provided in their telephone request within 5-10 business days from the time of request.
- Request by Paper
- Download and complete IRS Form 4506-T.
- Complete lines 1-4, following the instructions on page 2 of the form.
- Line 3: enter the non-filer's street address and zip or postal code. Use the address currently on file with the IRS. The address entered must match the address already on file with the IRS. It is suggested that you have your taxes in front of you and enter the address exactly how it was entered on your most recent tax return.
- Line 5: provides non-filer's with the option to have their IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter mailed directly to a third party by the IRS. Do NOT have your IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter sent directly to Gonzaga University. Have the letter sent to you and then submit it to the Financial Aid Office.
- Line 7: Select the checkbox on the right hand side for Verification of Non-filing.
- Line 9: Year or period requested field, enter the date of the year or period using mm/dd/yyyy format. You will enter the tax year we are requesting (which will be listed on the verification form).
- The non-filer must sign and date the form and enter their telephone number. Only one signature is required when requesting a join IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter.
- Mail or fax the completed IRS form 4506-T to the address (or fax number) provided on page 2 of Form 4506-T.
- If the 4506-T information is successfully validated, tax filers can expect to receive a paper IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter at the address provided on their request within 5 to 10 business days.
- If the box is selected that indicates the parent(s) made income but were not required to file a Federal IRS Tax Return, under IRS or other relevant tax authority rules (e.g., the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, a U.S. territory or commonwealth of a foreign government), then we will need to request a Verification of Non-Filing Letter from the IRS as well as all copies of IRS Form W-2's for each source of employment income received or an equivalent document for the appropriate tax year. If the parent made income but did not receive a W-2, a signed and dated statement certifying:
To be acceptable, the verification form must have a wet signature and date from both, the student and parent. If the verification form is submitted without a student AND parent signature, we will need to request that it is resubmitted with the missing signature and date. We appreciate your understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, you are encouraged to reach out to the Financial Aid Office.
Independent Student
Defined as one of the following: at least 24 years old, married, a graduate or professional student, a veteran, a member of the armed forces, an orphan, a ward of the court, someone with legal dependents other than a spouse, an emancipated minor or someone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
This section of the form requests the full name, age, relationship to the student and college enrollment (if applicable) of all members included in the family. Please list the following family members on this section of the form:
- Student
- Student's Spouse (if applicable).
- Student's dependent children if the student provides and will continue to provide more than half of their financial support between July 1 and June 30 of FAFSA award year.
- Other people who live with the student and the student will provide more than half of their financial support between July 1 and June 30 of FAFSA award year.
This section will assess the student's earnings and income for the tax year listed on the verification form. If the student is married, this section will also assess their spouse's earnings and income for the tax year listed on the verification form. There are three options listed on the verification form. To understand which option to select, please review the following information.
- Filed a Federal IRS Tax Return (1040 Form), Puerto Rican or Foreign Tax Return
- Select this box if the student and/or their spouse filed a Federal IRS Tax Return (1040 Form), Puerto Rican or Foreign Tax Return. If selected, and consent was authorized to utilize the Future Act - Direct Data Exchange (FA - DDX) to transfer Federal Tax Information (FTI), if the FTI transfer was successful and data elements unchanged, the tax information may be considered verified and we may not need to request further tax information. However, certain circumstances may still warrant the request of further tax information (e.g., FTI transfer was not successful, FTI data elements were manually modified, student is married and did not file jointly). If any of these circumstances apply, please submit EITHER a signed copy of the student's and spouse's (if applicable) 1040 Tax Return with appropriate Schedules that were filed with the IRS or tax authority, OR a Tax Return Transcript or other acceptable alternative tax transcript from the IRS or relevant tax authority.
- Requesting a Tax Transcript:
- IRS Individual Online Account
- Contact the IRS by phone at 800.908.9946
- Mail or Fax Paper IRS Form 4506-T or 4506T-EZ
- Requesting a Tax Transcript:
- Select this box if the student and/or their spouse filed a Federal IRS Tax Return (1040 Form), Puerto Rican or Foreign Tax Return. If selected, and consent was authorized to utilize the Future Act - Direct Data Exchange (FA - DDX) to transfer Federal Tax Information (FTI), if the FTI transfer was successful and data elements unchanged, the tax information may be considered verified and we may not need to request further tax information. However, certain circumstances may still warrant the request of further tax information (e.g., FTI transfer was not successful, FTI data elements were manually modified, student is married and did not file jointly). If any of these circumstances apply, please submit EITHER a signed copy of the student's and spouse's (if applicable) 1040 Tax Return with appropriate Schedules that were filed with the IRS or tax authority, OR a Tax Return Transcript or other acceptable alternative tax transcript from the IRS or relevant tax authority.
- I have income but am not required to file a Federal IRS Tax Return or I have zero income and am not required to file a Federal IRS Tax Return.
- If the box is selected that indicates the student and/or student's spouse made income but were not required to file a Federal IRS Tax Return, under IRS or other relevant tax authority rules (e.g., the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, a U.S. territory or commonwealth of a foreign government), then we will need to request a Verification of Non-Filing Letter from the IRS as well as all copies of IRS Form W-2's for each source of employment income received or an equivalent document for the appropriate tax year. If the student and/or student's spouse made income but did not receive a W-2, a signed and dated statement certifying:
- The sources and amounts of earnings, other income, and resources earned by the student and/or student's spouse for the year on the verification form.
- If the box is selected that indicates the student and/or student's spouse has zero income and are not required to file a Federal IRS Tax Return, then we will need to request a Verification of Non-Filing Letter from the IRS. A Verification of IRS Non-Filing Letter states that the IRS has no record of a processed Form 1040 - series tax return as of the date of the request. Below is information on how to request a Verification of IRS Non-Filing Letter.
- Request Online Verification of Non-Filing
- Select "Get Transcript Online".
- Follow instructions for creating an account or log in. To create an account, you will need your Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number, email address, birthdate, mailing address from latest tax return, tax filing status, account number for loan or credit card associated with you name, and mobile phone associated with your name.
- Select "Verification of Non-Filing Letter" and in the Tax Year field, enter the tax year listed on the verification form.
- If successfully validated, you will be able to view your IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter.
- Request by Telephone
- Available from the IRS by calling 1.800.908.9946
- Non-filers can expect to receive a paper IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter at the address provided in their telephone request within 5-10 business days from the time of request.
- Request by Paper
- Download and complete IRS Form 4506-T.
- Complete lines 1-4, following the instructions on page 2 of the form.
- Line 3: enter the non-filer's street address and zip or postal code. Use the address currently on file with the IRS. The address entered must match the address already on file with the IRS. It is suggested that you have your taxes in front of you and enter the address exactly how it was entered on your most recent tax return.
- Line 5: provides non-filer's with the option to have their IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter mailed directly to a third party by the IRS. Do NOT have your IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter sent directly to Gonzaga University. Have the letter sent to you and then submit it to the Financial Aid Office.
- Line 7: Select the checkbox on the right hand side for Verification of Non-filing.
- Line 9: Year or period requested field, enter the date of the year or period using mm/dd/yyyy format. You will enter the tax year we are requesting (which will be listed on the verification form).
- The non-filer must sign and date the form and enter their telephone number. Only one signature is required when requesting a join IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter.
- Mail or fax the completed IRS form 4506-T to the address (or fax number) provided on page 2 of Form 4506-T.
- If the 4506-T information is successfully validated, tax filers can expect to receive a paper IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter at the address provided on their request within 5 to 10 business days.
- If the box is selected that indicates the student and/or student's spouse made income but were not required to file a Federal IRS Tax Return, under IRS or other relevant tax authority rules (e.g., the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, a U.S. territory or commonwealth of a foreign government), then we will need to request a Verification of Non-Filing Letter from the IRS as well as all copies of IRS Form W-2's for each source of employment income received or an equivalent document for the appropriate tax year. If the student and/or student's spouse made income but did not receive a W-2, a signed and dated statement certifying:
Independent students do not need to verify parental information. Please leave this section blank on the form.
To be acceptable, the student must sign and date the verification form. If the verification form is submitted without a wet signature and date from the student, we will need to request that it is resubmitted with the missing signature and date. We appreciate your understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, you are encouraged to reach out to the Financial Aid Office.
Questions?
We're here to help you navigate through the Verification process and you can reach us by phone at: 509-313-6582, by email at: finaid@gonzaga.edu or drop by our office in lower Crosby.
Ready to Submit your Verification?
You can submit the documents in person, we are located in the lower level of Crosby and available weekdays 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, send it via email to: finaid@gonzaga.edu, or use our Secure Document Upload.