Verification

Length of Verification

Verification may take up to four weeks after all required documentation is received by the office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (FAS). The verification process cannot be completed until the FAS receives all required documentation. A student will not be awarded financial aid until all required information is received and processed by KU FAS, completing the financial aid file.

Selection

​If a student is selected for KU verification, the student will be sent a notification to the student's registered KU email account. The student may also check the items on the student's “To Do List’ at https://sa.ku.edu > Enroll & Pay > Student Center To Do List.

Acceptable Documentation

A student must submit the following documentation to KU FAS.

Dependent Students:

•       A signed and completed Verification Worksheet for Dependent Students.
•       A copy of student and student's parents Federal Tax Transcript Summary.

Independent Students:

•       A signed and completed Verification Worksheet for Independent Students.
•       A copy of student’s (and spouse’s, if married) Federal Tax Transcript Summary.

Avoiding Delays

• Submit all required documents promptly.
• Fill out the Verification Worksheet completely.
• Do not leave items blank; if the answer is zero, write zero.
• Ensure all documents are attached, legible and signed by the appropriate parties.
• Respond to any requests for additional information promptly.

Discrepancies

If information from documents submitted conflicts with a student’s FAFSA, the FAS may require additional information to resolve the discrepancy. The FAS will contact the student via email to request additional information when applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is acceptable documentation for information from the Income Tax Return?

• A Tax Return Transcript from the IRS.
• Use of the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (www.fafsa.gov)

What if I don’t have a copy of my Federal Tax Return Transcript?

A student or parent may request a Tax Return Transcript online at: http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript.

What if I didn’t file an Income Tax Return?

If the student, student’s spouse and/or parent are required by the IRS to file an income tax return then documentation of that information must be provided (see FAQ about acceptable documentation). Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or www.irs.gov regarding filing status. Students at the University of Kansas may visit Legal Services for Students at 312 Burge Union for tax assistance.

If the student, spouse or parent worked during the previous year but is not required by the IRS to file an income tax return, this should be appropriately noted on the Verification Worksheet. Copies of all W-2s issued by employers must still be submitted.

What if I didn’t earn any income during the previous year?

If the student, student’s spouse and/or parent did not earn any income in the previous year, this should be appropriately noted on the Verification Worksheet.

What if I or my parent(s)/stepparent(s) filed for an extension of time to file the income tax return?

IRS Form 4868 allows for an automatic 6-month extension of time to file the federal income tax return. If you or your parent(s)/stepparent(s) submitted IRS Form 4868, please submit a copy of this form to the FAS, along with the other verification documents such as the verification worksheet, estimated income tax return (Form 1040), W-2s and 1099 forms. Upon receipt of a copy of your Form 4868, our office will request additional documentation of estimated income figures in order to complete initial verification. PLEASE NOTE: Once the actual income tax return has been filed, FAS you will need to submit a copy of your Tax Return Transcript, and our office will conduct a final review to complete the verification file. If the FAS has not received a Tax Return Transcript of the actual, filed return by October 15 (filing deadline with 6-month extension), you will receive an e-mail reminder and your remaining financial aid will be placed on hold until the documents are received and the final review is complete.