FAFSA Verification

Verification is a process used to ensure accuracy of certain information submitted on the FAFSA.

The U.S. Department of Education or the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships may, at any time, select applications for verification based upon the FAFSA information provided. This process is required to assure that all aid is awarded to students according to federal, state, and institutional regulations. If selected, the verification process must be completed before financial aid can be awarded.

Below are some of the most common reasons; however, there may be others:

• The submitted FAFSA application has incomplete data.
• The data on the FAFSA application appears to contradict itself.
• The FAFSA application has estimated information on it.
• Random selection

 Students will receive an email with instructions if chosen for verification.

A list of Needed items will be listed on Gulfline. The documents required will vary based on each student. Students must provide all requested documents/forms to the Office of Financial Aid in order to complete the verification process and determine eligibility for financial aid.

• Submit online via Gulfline (Preferred method)
• Scan and email documents/forms to your Financial Aid Advisor.
• Fax your documents/forms to (239) 590-7923
• Mail your documents/forms to:

Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
Florida Gulf Coast University
10501 FGCU Boulevard S.
Fort Myers, FL 33965

Students selected for verification will not be packaged for financial aid until the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships has received all requested, required documentation and the verification process has been completed. Depending on the time of year, the verification review process can take up to 15 business days from the time all requested, required documents are received.

• All required documents should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office no later than 14 business days from the initial date of request. Students should monitor their email daily to ensure timely processing.
• Delays in submitting all required documents will cause a delay in awarding of financial aid, which may result in the student being responsible for paying fees out of pocket at the payment deadline date.
• Individuals who have filed extensions or are self-employed and file their taxes later in the year are not exempt from the verification process.
• It is recommended that federal income tax returns be filed as soon as possible as tax data is needed to complete the verification process.

Once all requested documents/forms are received, they are compared to the original FAFSA. If discrepancies are found, the FAFSA will be reprocessed with the correct information. The correction could change the expected family contribution (EFC), which may cause a change in the final financial aid award.

Note: If a student makes subsequent changes to their FAFSA, it is his/her responsibility to notify the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships immediately, since any change could affect their Financial Aid eligibility.

While the verification is being processed, the progress can be monitored on Gulfline. Under the Financial Aid tab, unsatisfied requirements are listed with a status code. Below is an explanation of each status code:

Letter Code	Status	Description
N	Needed	The documents are required by the Department of Education to start the verification process. Submit as soon as possible.
I	In Progress	The required documents have been received by our office. The documents are being reviewed. The process can take up to 15 days to complete.
S	Sent	We reviewed your file and need additional documentation. An email has been sent to you with the details.
R	Received	The necessary documents have been received and processed.
C	Complete	All verification documents have been received and the process is complete.

 

Per the U.S. Department of Education, income can only be verified by transferring the income information electronically from a valid tax return to the FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool or by requesting and submitting a Tax Return Transcript from the IRS.

If a student is not eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, he/she may submit signed copies of tax returns (1040, 1040A, 1040EZ) or obtain a tax return transcript from the IRS and submit it the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. .

• The fastest way to request a Tax Return Transcript is either by phone or online.
• A Tax Return Transcript should be requested. DO NOT request a Tax Account Transcript or Record of Account unless directed by the office to do so.

Participation in the verification process is not optional. If you do not submit the requested documentation, you will not be eligible to receive federal or institutional need-based financial aid and your parents will not be eligible to borrow a federal PLUS loan.

Collection and use of Social Security numbers

In compliance with FL Statute 119.071(5), The Office of Financial Aid at Florida Gulf Coast University may collect social security numbers for the following reasons:

For use in administering federal and state programs/loans, including verification of eligibility. These programs include, but are not limited to:

• Financial Aid and other related loan programs;
• Scholarship Programs, including Bright Futures.

Using the IRS Data Retrieval Process

The IRS Data Retrieval Tool allows students and parents to electronically transfer their tax information to their FAFSA directly from the IRS. Once you have completed your taxes, wait the appropriate length of time (1-2 weeks if filed electronically and 6-8 weeks if by mail) and follow the below steps:

1. Log back into https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
2. Click on Make FAFSA Corrections.
3. Enter PIN and create a password.
4. Click on Financial Information tab.
5. Change from “Will File” to “Already Completed”.
6. If you are eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval Process, click on the Link to IRS link and click OK.
7. On the IRS web site, enter the requested information and click submit.
8. Click the box under the “Transfer My Tax Information into the FAFSA” and then click Transfer Now.
9. You should then receive a message “You have successfully transferred your 2017 tax information”.
10. Do not change your income data once you successfully transfer it to your FAFSA.
11. Repeat this process under Student Financial Information if the student filed a tax return for 2017.
12. Continue to the Sign and Submit section and complete all required fields. Click “Submit FAFSA Now” and you will receive a confirmation number. You have now successfully submitted the FAFSA correction.

Yes. If a student/parent is not eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, he/she may provide a signed copy of tax returns (1040, 1040A, 1040EZ) and please include the student's UIN on all pages to fax.  Financial Aid Office fax 239-590-7923.

Students must complete verification for the 2020-2021 award year 120 days after the student's last date of enrollment or September 18, 2021, whichever date is earlier.