If you are selected, Federal Verification, as regulated by the Department of Education, is mandatory in order to receive Federal Student Aid. Verification is a completely random selection with one out of three students being chosen each year. Follow the steps below to ensure proper completion.

Verification Worksheet

Determine which worksheet you need from your Needs Letter sent to you from the Financial Aid Office. The most common worksheet is #1.

2024-2025

Working with the 2022 tax year.

2025-2026

Working with the 2023 tax year.

Be sure to review the form and directions carefully ensuring every question is answered in its entirety.

Tax information

Requirements differ based on dependent vs independent status per the Department of Education. If you’re unsure of your dependency status, you can review your status on our FAFSA Resources page. All directions are outlined below.

PLEASE NOTE: The easiest and most preferred option to satisfy the tax requirement is to utilize the IRS Direct Data Exchange Tool through the student's FAFSA. Please follow the link below for instructions.

Financial Aid Offices are now allowed to accept signed copies of parent and/or student Federal 1040 forms to complete required Verification and satisfy the tax requirement. Please note that you may now submit a signed and dated copy of your Federal 1040 Form. Please be sure to write the student ID next to your signature.

Dependent student tax requirements

  • Parent Tax Information
    • Filed? Utilize the IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX) OR request tax returns
    • Didn't file but earned income?
      • Both parents must submit correct tax year W2s
  • Student Tax Information
    • Filed? Utilize the IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX) OR request tax returns
    • Didn’t file but earned income?
      • Submit correct tax year W2s
    • Didn’t file or earn income?
      • Check appropriate box on your Verification Worksheet

Independent student tax requirements

  • Student Tax Information
    • Filed? Utilize the IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX) OR request tax returns
    • Didn't file but earned income?
      • Submit correct tax year W2s

Still have verification questions?

Please feel free to reach out to our Financial Aid Office.

Financial Aid Office
finaid@cuw.edu
262-243-4569