Each year, the U.S. Department of Education lets schools know what FAFSA information might need to be double-checked. This is called “verification.” They also tell us what documents are OK to use for this process.
You might get put into a “Verification Group,” which just means there are specific things we need to confirm. These groups are updated every year, and sometimes you might switch groups while you’re in school.
If you’re selected, we’ll ask you to fill out a verification worksheet. You might also need to share copies of your (or your parent’s/spouse’s) tax information, like signed tax returns, W2s or 1099s. In some cases, we might also need proof that you graduated from high school and a quick form called a Statement of Educational Purpose and Identity.
Why do we do this? Because to get federal financial aid, you have to meet certain eligibility requirements. Some of this is checked automatically through the FAFSA and federal databases, but other parts need to be confirmed by us.
Sometimes AACC may also need to verify your information if something doesn’t match up or if we need extra clarification.
You can request a tax return transcript from the IRS.
A tax return transcript shows the most line items from your tax return (Form 1040) as it was originally filed and any accompanying forms and schedules. It does not reflect any changes that you, your representative, or the IRS made after the return was filed.
If you’re picked for verification, you’ll get an email telling you what documents we need. You’ll also get a Verification Worksheet with step-by-step instructions.
You can turn in your documents by mail, fax, AACC email or drop them off in person. The sooner you complete your verification, the sooner we can finalize your federal financial aid.
You can be selected for verification at any time. Anytime your FAFSA information is updated or processed again, it could trigger verification. Because applications are checked all year, your financial aid amounts might change.
If you’ve already received aid and later get selected, we may have to pause future payments, or even pull back funds you already got, until verification is finished. If you don’t complete it, your financial aid could be canceled.
In order for you to protect your privacy, our office recommends that you submit all documents containing personal information to our office in person, by mail or by fax.
When you’re selected for verification, the financial aid office has to check for any mistakes or conflicting information on your FAFSA. If something doesn’t match, like your FAFSA numbers versus what’s on your tax forms, we’ll adjust it before finalizing your financial aid.
If we have to make changes, we send those updates to the Federal Student Aid Processor. They’ll then email you an updated FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) showing what was changed and letting you know the school made those corrections.
Sometimes these changes can affect your Student Aid Index (SAI), which might change how much federal aid you’re eligible for. If that happens, we’ll adjust your financial aid offer and send you an updated email through your MyAACC account.
AACC has to finish your verification before we can give out any financial aid. There aren’t strict midterm deadlines, but your aid won’t be awarded, or paid out, until the process is done.
So, it’s best to turn in your documents as soon as you’re notified that you were selected.
You must complete verification by the last day you’re enrolled for that school year. In some rare cases, federal rules may allow late disbursements.
If you don’t turn in the required documents on time, you’ll lose eligibility for federal aid. If you already received some aid, it could be taken back, and you might have to repay it.
If you decide you don’t want to complete verification and want to cancel your financial aid application, just send written notice to the financial aid 0ffice.
There is no way to avoid being selected.
Providing fake or misleading information on your FAFSA or any financial aid forms is serious – and it can have major consequences.
If, during the review process, there’s credible evidence that someone may have committed fraud or other illegal actions, AACC must report it to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General (OIG). This includes things like:
If an AACC employee suspects fraud, whether it’s by a student, employee or someone else, they must report it to the director of financial aid. The director will work with the proper offices, like Student Conduct, college administrators or AACC’s legal team to investigate.
If the situation requires it, AACC will refer the case to the OIG following federal guidelines. Once that happens, your student file will be kept secure in the financial aid office.
Please be aware that if you worked and earned income, (regardless of whether you received a W-2 or 1099 from your employer), you may be required to file a federal income tax return. Contact the IRS or your tax preparer for guidance. Any tax filing issues must be resolved before we can process your financial aid application.