What is verification and how do I know if I am selected?
Verification is a process mandated by the U.S. Department of Education, requiring you to submit signed copies of Federal income tax returns and other documents to the Cypress College Financial Aid Office. If your Financial Aid application is selected for verification, you will not be eligible for Federal aid until this process is completed.
The following items must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office if your application is selected for verification:
1. A copy of your (and your spouse’s, if married) 2007 Federal income tax return, complete with all schedules, W-2s and 1099s.
2. A copy of your parents’ 2007 Federal income tax return, complete with all schedules, W-2s and 1099s (for students who were required to provide parent financial information on the FAFSA).
3. A completed 2008-2009 Verification Worksheet.
What happens after my file is selected for verification by the Financial Aid Office?
When the Cypress College Financial Aid Office receives your accurately completed Verification Worksheet and tax returns, we compare the information on these documents to the information you provided on your most recent FAFSA. If information from the documents you submit conflicts with your FAFSA. Responding quickly to any requests for additional information will help avoid further delays. Verification may take 4-6 weeks after all required documentation is received by the Financial Aid Office.
In some cases, the Financial Aid Office must submit changes that we have made to the FAFSA data (due to verification) to the U.S. Department of Education. If these changes impact your eligibility for a Pell Grant, you will receive a Confirmation Report in the mail to replace your most recent Student Aid Report (SAR). The process of submitting changes usually takes 8 to 10 additional days after verification is complete.
What can the Financial Aid Office accept as a copy of your tax return?
In all cases, a signed photocopy of the original return that was filed with the IRS is acceptable. Please attach copies of all supporting schedules, W-2s and 1099s. Failure to attach schedules, W-2s and 1099s can cause delays in completing verification.
What can the Financial Aid Office accept for the signature on your income tax return?
Returns must be signed by the filer(s) or the preparer (a preparer’s stamp or EIN is also acceptable). Either an original or photocopied signature is acceptable. If a joint return has been filed, one signature is enough. A summary transcript of the student’s IRS form 1040 must be signed by the student (unless the form is sent directly to the school by the IRS). A summary transcript of the parents’ return must be signed by at least one parent (unless the form is sent directly to the school by the IRS).