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Verification

 

FAFSA Information to Be Verified

The following is a list of documents and information that the Office of Financial Aid may request for applicants who complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and are selected for Verification by the U.S. Department of Education.  Information is to be verified for the applicant and, if applicable, his/her parent(s) or spouse. Filing the 2025-2026 FAFSA is applicable to Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 semesters and tax year 2023 information is required to be reported. Please note that financial aid cannot be finalized if verification is not completed; as a result, students will be responsible for paying all tuition and other charges. 

Information to Be Verified - The required information may differ from student to student. Follow the instructions in your email and upload documents through Financial Aid Self Service.

  • Adjusted Gross Income (tax filers only)
  • Income Tax Paid (tax filers only)
  • Untaxed Income, including, but not limited to: untaxed pensions, child support received, veteran's non-education benefits, and money paid on behalf of the student
  • Number of Household Members
  • Number of Household Members enrolled at least half-time at an eligible post-secondary institution
  • High School Completion Status
  • Identity and Statement of Educational Purpose
  • Income Earned from Work
  • Statement of Non-Filing (non-tax filers only)

You can find some of the requested forms by clicking here.

 

IRS Federal Tax Return/Tax Return Transcript

Tax filers who are unable (or choose not) to use the IRS DRT must submit a signed copy of their IRS Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ for tax year 2023 or Tax Return Transcript when filing the 2025-2026 FAFSA, applicable to Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 semesters. IRS Tax Return information must be typed or computer-generated (i.e., cannot be handwritten) and signed by either:

  • the tax filer in the "Sign Here" section; or
  • the tax preparer (if you used one) with the following information in the “Paid Preparer Use Only” section:
    • the tax preparer’s Social Security Number (SSN), Employer Identification Number (EIN), or Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN); and
    • signed, stamped, typed, or printed with the name and address of the preparer.

Tax filers who cannot provide a signed tax return as described above, can request a 2023 IRS Tax Return Transcript, free of charge, by one of the following methods:

  1. Online (Downloadable PDF) – Go to https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript and click “Get Transcript ONLINE.”  (First-time users must create an account.)  When asked for the Type of Transcript, select the “Tax Return Transcript” for tax year 2023.
  2. U.S. Mail - Go to https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript and click “Get Transcript by MAIL.”  (You do not have to create an account.)  When asked for the Type of Transcript, select the “Tax Return Transcript” for tax year 2023. 
  3. Telephone Request – Call the IRS at (800) 908-9946.  Follow the prompts to enter your SSN and the numbers in your street address.  Select Option “2” to request a Tax Return Transcript, and then enter “2023."
  4. IRS Form 4506T-EZ  - Download from https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506tez.pdf .  Complete lines 1-4 and 6 [enter “2023”], and mail or fax the form to the address or fax number on Page 2.  

Note: if you were selected for State Verification by the NJ Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, be advised that the agency will only accept Tax Return Transcripts in determining your State Aid eligibility.

 

Procedure for Non-Tax Filers

FAFSA applicants and, if applicable, his/her parent(s) or spouse who did not and are not required to file a 2023 Federal Tax Return, must attach a copy of their Wage and Tax Statement(s) (Form W-2).

 

Additional Instructions

  • If using one of the options to request an IRS Tax Return Transcript, allow 5-10 business days for delivery.
  • When submitting tax and verification documents to this office, write the student’s name and Kean ID# at the top of each page.
  • If the student or parent is married, but filed separately from their spouse, both spouses’ tax documents must be submitted.
  • If the filer amended their 2023 tax return, attach a signed copy of IRS Form 1040X to the required tax documents.  
  • Keep copies of all verification documents for your records.