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2013-2014 Essentials

Verification Worksheet Checklist

• Submit copies and not originals. The Financial Aid & Scholarship Department will keep any documents submitted and originals will not be photocopied.
• Include your name and CSUN ID number on every document submitted, including copies of your parent tax return transcript forms.
• Use blue or black ink to complete the work sheet.
• Student and parent must sign the Verification Worksheet.
• Do not leave any blank answers. If student, parent or spouse does not have anything to report, enter zero.
• Be as thorough as possible. Incomplete packets will not be accepted and will be mailed back in its entirety.

 Income and tax information

• Copies of tax returns are no longer valid forms of income verification. To verify your 2012 income, you must file or update the Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) by using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, or request a tax transcript directly from the IRS. If you are asked to verify income and you filed a California Dream Act application along with a 2012 federal 1040 tax return, you must request a tax transcript from the IRS.
• For FAFSA applicants only: If you filed your taxes with the IRS and did not use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when you completed the FAFSA, you should make the correction by using it. Access your tax return information, and transfer the data directly to the FAFSA. If you filed your tax return electronically, allow one to two weeks from the filing date to access your income information through the retrieval tool. If you filed a paper tax return, allow eight weeks.
• If you, a parent or spouse do not or cannot use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, you will be required to obtain a tax transcript from the IRS and submit it to Financial Aid & Scholarship Department. To obtain a tax transcript, read the how-to guide.

Making copies

• Make sure all tax transcript pages are clear.
• If the tax transcript includes information on the front and back, copy both sides of the page.
• Check the copies to ensure all figures are legible.
• Retain copies of all submitted documents for your records.

Verification of 2012 IRS Income Tax Return for individuals with Unusual Circumstances:

• Amended IRS Income Tax Return:  If you filed an amended tax return, you must submit a signed copy of your 2012 amended 1040X Federal tax return along with either a signed copy of the original 1040 tax return filed or a 2012 IRS Tax Return Transcript.
• Victims of IRS Identity Theft:  If you are a victim of IRS identity theft and are unable to obtain a 2012 IRS Tax Return Transcript or use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, you must provide a signed copy of the 2012 paper IRS 1040 Federal Tax Return and a signed copy of IRS Form 14039 “Identity Theft Affidavit.”
• Foreign Tax Returns:  If you filed a foreign tax return, you must submit a signed copy of the foreign tax return along with an English translation with a conversion of all monetary units to U.S. dollars, using the exchange rate in effect as of the date you filed your 2013-2014 FAFSA.  To view the daily exchange rate, go to www.federalreserve.gov/releases/h10/current/
• Tax Filing Extensions: An extension from the IRS does not waive the requirement to verify your income. When you have filed your tax return, you must either update your FAFSA by using the IRS data retrieval tool or submit an IRS tax transcript. Once the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department receives all required documents, we will proceed with verification and determination of award eligibility.

2013-2014 FAQs

WHY AM I SELECTED FOR VERIFICATION?

The Department of Education requires that all schools verify the information of a select percentage of financial aid applicants. If selected for verification, you must submit all requested documents in order to be considered for aid.

WHERE CAN I GET THE FORMS I NEED?

Financial aid forms are available online. Forms for the 2013-2014 academic year will be posted in early April.

WHEN IS THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT 2013-2014 VERIFICATION DOCUMENTS?

The deadline to submit 2013-2014 verification documents is June 3, 2013. You must submit by the deadline to ensure you are awarded aid by the start of fall term.

HOW DOES THE VERIFICATION PROCESS AFFECT MY FINANCIAL AID?

You cannot be awarded until you've submitted a copy of the requested verification documents. If conflicting information exists, it must be resolved before aid is awarded.

WHAT ABOUT MY TUITION AND OTHER FEES?

You are responsible for paying your tuition and other fees by the payment deadline, or you may be disenrolled from classes for the upcoming term. For information on payment, please visit University Cash Services.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR MY VERIFICATION TO BE PROCESSED?

It can take up to 9 weeks for your verification documents to be processed. This time may vary depending on the volume of documents received in the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department and if any conflicting information exists. Remember to respond promptly to requests made via email or on your myNorthridge Portal to-do list. Once you submit your documents, please be patient. Do not contact the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department to confirm receipt of documents. Submitted documents that have been approved will be removed from your myNorthridge Portal to-do list.

WHERE DO I TURN IN MY FORMS?

Return documents in person to any of the financial aid windows on the first floor lobby of Bayramian Hall. Or, alternatively, you can mail in forms to:

Financial Aid & Scholarship Department
California State University, Northridge
18111Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8307

Do not send in forms by fax; we will not accept them. Only submit documents requested as they appear on your myNorthridge Portal to-do list. Incomplete financial aid documents or packets will not be accepted and will be mailed back to you in their entirety.

WHY SHOULD I USE THE IRS DATA RETRIEVAL TOOL? (Applicable to FAFSA applicants only)

We strongly encourage the IRS data retrieval tool for the following reasons:

• It's the easiest way to provide tax data.
• It's the best way to ensure your FAFSA has accurate tax information.
• You won't need to provide a copy of tax transcripts.

 Students or parents who fall into any of the following categories are not eligible to use the tool:

• Married couples who file separate tax returns or file as head of household.
• Applicants whose marital status has changed as of Jan. 1, 2013.
• Applicants who are neither eligible nor required to file a 2012 federal tax return.
• Applicants who have filed an amended tax return.
• Applicants who have filed a Puerto Rican or foreign tax return.
• Parents who entered all zeroes for a Social Security number on the FAFSA.
• Applicants or parents without a valid Social Security number reported on the FAFSA.
• Students or parents who already used the tool on another FAFSA for another dependent.

 Students or parents who are not eligible to use the tool are still encouraged to update the income information on the FAFSA, if originally estimated, so that it reflects the information on the 2012 tax return you or your parents filed.

WHY DO I HAVE TO TURN IN A FEDERAL TAX TRANSCRIPT?

The Financial Aid & Scholarship Department will use the federal tax transcript to verify or correct the income information on your FAFSA.

I DIDN'T FILE A FEDERAL TAX RETURN, BUT IT'S ON MY TO-DO LIST. WHAT DO I DO?

If you did not file a tax return, you should report any wages earned on page three, section C of the Verification Worksheet. Do not leave any blank answers on the work sheet.

HOW DO I ORDER A TAX TRANSCRIPT?

To obtain a tax transcript, read the "how-to guide."

HOW SOON CAN I REQUEST AN IRS TAX TRANSCRIPT AFTER FILING MY TAX RETURN?

• If you electronically file your return, 2 weeks.
• If you mail your return, 6-8 weeks.

HOW SOON AFTER FILING MY TAX RETURN, CAN I USE THE IRS DATA RETRIEVAL TOOL?

• If you electronically file your return, 2 weeks.
• If you mail your return, 6-8 weeks.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE TO RECEIVE MY UPDATED FAFSA?

• It takes two weeks from the time you made your FAFSA corrections for Cal State Northridge to receive your corrections.

 WHY DID I RECEIVE A REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION?

If you received a request for additional information, the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department identified conflicting information that must be resolved before completing your verification. Review the request carefully and submit any missing information. Your verification is pending until the additional information is received. Sign any statements or forms to prevent further delay.

MY SPOUSE OR PARENTS FILED SEPARATE FEDERAL TAX RETURNS. WHOSE DO I SUBMIT?

If you and your spouse or parents filed separate federal tax returns, submit tax transcripts copies of both. We will determine how to use the information correctly. Failure to submit copies of both tax transcripts will delay the verification process.

I FILED AN AMENDED TAX RETURN. WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I SUBMIT?

If you file an amended tax return, you must submit a signed copy of your 2012 amended 1040X Federal tax return along with either a signed copy of the original 1040 tax return filed or a 2012 IRS Tax Return Transcript.

MY PARENTS LIVE AND WORK IN ANOTHER COUNTRY AND DON'T FILE U.S. INCOME TAX RETURNS. WHAT DO I DO?

Submit a signed copy of the foreign tax return along with an English translation with a conversion of all monetary units to U.S. dollars, using the exchange rate in effect as of the date you filed your 2013-2014 FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application.  To view the daily exchange rate, go to http://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/h10/current/.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T PROVIDE THE REQUESTED INFORMATION?

We cannot determine aid eligibility nor disburse funds until all requested documents are received and reviewed. Upon signing the FAFSA, you agreed to "provide information that will verify the accuracy of your completed form."

WILL MY PARENTS' OR SPOUSE'S INFORMATION BE KEPT PRIVATE?

Yes. The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibit the release of student information to third parties. Parental or spousal information received during the verification process is also protected under FERPA and will not be released to third party recipients. Exceptions may include, but are not limited to, subpoenas and federal audits of university records.

WHAT IF MY OR MY PARENT'S INFORMATION ON THE FEDERAL TAX TRANSCRIPT NO LONGER REFLECTS CURRENT INCOME DUE TO LOSS OF EMPLOYMENT?

Students who experience extraordinary circumstances that have caused a change in income may submit an Income Appeal Form one time during their academic career. For more information regarding income appeals, please visit the "Forms & Documents" section. 

 

2012-2013 Essentials

Verification Worksheet Checklist

• Submit copies and not originals. The Financial Aid & Scholarship Department will keep any documents submitted and originals will not be photocopied.
• Include your name and Northridge ID number on every document submitted, including copies of your parents' tax return forms.
• Use blue or black ink to complete the work sheet.
• Student and parent must sign the Verification Worksheet.
• Do not leave any blank answers. If student, parent or spouse do not have anything to report, enter zero.
• Be as thorough as possible — failure to submit complete information will cause delays in awarding financial aid.

Income and Tax Information

• Copies of tax returns are no longer valid forms of income verification. This is based on verification regulation updates made by the U.S. Department of Education. To verify your 2011 income, you must file or update your Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) by using the IRS data retrieval tool, or request a transcript directly from the IRS.
• If you filed your taxes with the IRS, and did not use the IRS data retrieval tool when you completed the FAFSA, you should make the correction on your FAFSA by using the IRS data retrieval tool. Access your tax return information and transfer the data directly into your FAFSA. If you filed your tax return electronically, allow one to two weeks from the filing date to access your income information through the retrieval tool. If you filed a paper tax return, allow six weeks to access your income information through the retrieval tool.
• If you, parent(s), or spouse do not, or cannot, use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, you will be required to obtain a tax transcript from the IRS and submit it to Financial Aid and Scholarship Department.
• Note: As an exception, if you file an amended tax return, we will accept a signed copy of your 2011 1040 federal tax return, along with your signed amended 1040X federal tax return.

To obtain a tax transcript, read the "how-to guide."

Making Copies

• Make sure all tax transcript pages are clear.
• If the tax transcript includes information on the front and back, copy both sides of the page.
• Check the copies to ensure all figures are legible.
• Retain copies of all submitted documents for your records.

Tax Filing Extensions

An extension from the IRS does not waive the requirement to verify your income. When you have filed your tax return, you must either update your FAFSA by using the IRS data retrieval tool or submit an IRS tax transcript. Once the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department receives all required documents, we will proceed with verification and determination of award eligibility.

2012-2013 FAQs

Why am I selected for verification?

The Department of Education requires that all schools verify the information of a select percentage of financial aid applicants. If selected for verification, you must submit all requested documents in order to be considered for aid.

Where can I get the forms I need?

Financial aid forms are available online. Forms for the 2012-2013 academic year will be posted in early April.

When is the deadline to submit 2012-2013 verification documents?

The deadline to submit 2012-2013 verification documents is May 15, 2012. You must submit by the deadline to ensure you are awarded aid by the start of fall term.

How does the verification process affect my financial aid?

You cannot be awarded until you've submitted a copy of the requested verification documents. If conflicting information exists, it must be resolved before aid is awarded.

What about my tuition and other fees?

You are responsible for paying your tuition and other fees by the payment deadline, or you may be disenrolled from classes for the upcoming term. For information on payment, please visit University Cash Services.

How long will it take for my verification to be processed?

It can take up to 12 weeks for your verification documents to be processed. This time may vary depending on the volume of documents received in the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department and if any conflicting information exists. Remember to respond promptly to requests made via email or on your myNorthridge Portal to-do list. Once you submit your documents, please be patient. Do not contact the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department to confirm receipt of documents. Submitted documents that have been approved will be removed from your myNorthridge Portal to-do list.

Where do I turn in my forms?

Return documents in person to any of the financial aid windows on the first floor lobby of Bayramian Hall. Or, alternatively, you can mail in forms to:

Financial Aid & Scholarship Department
California State University, Northridge
18111Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8307

Do not send in forms by fax; we will not accept them. Only submit documents requested as they appear on your myNorthridge Portal to-do list. Incomplete financial aid documents or packets will not be accepted and will be returned in their entirety.

Why should I use the IRS data retrieval tool?

We strongly encourage the IRS data retrieval tool for the following reasons:

• It's the easiest way to provide tax data.
• It's the best way to ensure your FAFSA has accurate tax information.
• You won't need to provide a copy of tax transcripts.

Students or parents who fall into any of the following categories are not eligible to use the tool:

• Married couples who file separate tax returns or file as head of household.
• Applicants whose marital status has changed as of Jan. 1, 2012.
• Applicants who are neither eligible nor required to file a 2011 federal tax return.
• Applicants who have filed an amended tax return.
• Applicants who have filed a Puerto Rican or foreign tax return.
• Parents who entered all zeroes for a Social Security number on the FAFSA.
• Applicants or parents without a valid Social Security number reported on the FAFSA.
• Students or parents who already used the tool on another FAFSA for another dependent.

Students or parents who are not eligible to use the tool are still encouraged to update the income information on the FAFSA, if originally estimated, so that it reflects the information on the 2011 tax return you or your parents filed.

Why do I have to turn in a federal tax transcript?

The Financial Aid & Scholarship Department will use the federal tax transcript to verify or correct the income information on your FAFSA.

I didn't file a federal tax return, but it's on my To-Do List. What do I do?

If you did not file a tax return, you should report any wages earned on page two, section C of the Verification Worksheet. Do not leave any blank answers on the work sheet.

How do I order a tax transcript?

To obtain a tax transcript, read the "how-to guide."

How soon can I request an IRS tax transcript after filing my tax return?

• If you electronically file your return, 10-21 days.
• If you mail your return, 6-8 weeks.

How soon after filing my tax return, can I use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool?

• If you electronically file your return, 1-2 weeks.
• If you mail your return, 6-8 weeks.

How long does it take for Cal State Northridge to receive my updated FAFSA?

• It takes two weeks from the time you made your FAFSA corrections for Cal State Northridge.

Why did I receive a request for additional information?

If you received a request for additional information, the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department identified conflicting information that must be resolved before completing your verification. Review the request carefully and submit any missing information. Your verification is pending until the additional information is received. Sign any statements or forms to prevent further delay.

My spouse or parent filed separate federal tax returns. Whose do I submit?

If you and your spouse or parents filed separate federal tax returns, submit tax transcripts copies of both. We will determine how to use the information correctly. Failure to submit copies of both tax transcripts will delay the verification process.

I filed an amended tax return. What documents do I submit?

If you file an amended tax return, as an exception, we will accept a signed copy of your 2011 1040 federal tax return, along with your signed amended 1040X federal tax return.

My parents live and work in another country and don't file U.S. income tax returns. What do I do?

Submit copies of the foreign income tax returns your parents filed in their country of residence. You must also submit English-translated version of the forms with figures converted to U.S. dollars.

What happens if I don't provide the requested information?

We cannot determine aid eligibility nor disburse funds until all requested documents are received and reviewed. Upon signing the FAFSA, you agreed to "provide information that will verify the accuracy of your completed form."

Will my parents' or spouse's information be kept private?

Yes. The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibit the release of student information to third parties. Parental or spousal information received during the verification process is also protected under FERPA and will not be released to third party recipients. Exceptions may include, but are not limited to, subpoenas and federal audits of university records.

What if my or my parent's information on the federal tax transcript no longer reflects current income due to loss of employment?

Students who experience extraordinary circumstances that have caused a change in income may submit an Income Appeal Form one time during their academic career. For more information regarding income appeals, please visit the "Forms & Documents" section.