Verifications
Verification
Verification is a review process mandated by the U.S. Department of Education when your Free Application for Student Federal Aid (FAFSA) is randomly selected. Verification is simply comparing information from your application with copies of your tax return, W-2 forms, and/or other financial documents to ensure the accuracy of data submitted on your application for federal financial aid. The U.S. Department of Education requires this process to be completed before any financial aid is disbursed.
Required Documents for Verification Process
Current academic year Verification Worksheet
Signed copy of your prior year federal tax forms
Signed copy of your parents' prior year federal tax forms (dependent students only)
Additional documentation may required in certain verification cases (i.e. Social Security Income or Retirement Income received that is untaxed).
MVSU verifies data elements required by the U.S. Department of Education. However, there may be circumstances that warrant additional information to resolve a discrepancy.
All documents must be completed in its entirety, signed and returned to our office within 10 days of notification to avoid any delays.
Once all application materials are reviewed by the Office of Student Financial Aid, the student will be notified if additional documentation is required, or the student will receive a Financial Aid Award Notification Letter.
Consequences of not completing the verification process:
NO FEDERAL AID will be awarded until all documents are received and reviewed.
Estimated financial aid awards may be removed if verification is not completed.
FAQ's
How do I know if I've been selected for verification?
There will be an asterisk(*) next to your EFC number and the following message will appear on your Student Aid Report (SAR):
Your application has been selected for review in a process called verification. Your school has the authority to request copies of certain financial documents from you, your parents (if you are dependent) or your spouse (if you are independent and married).
Where do I get a Verification Worksheet?
One will be mailed by the school along with a financial aid information tracking letter. You may also download and print a verification worksheet from the MVSU financial aid webpage. If your address has changed since filing your FAFSA, please contact the financial aid office to ensure delivery of information to you. You will also need to update your address with the Office of Student Records to ensure that you recive all correspondence from the university.
What if there is an error on my FAFSA?
Most items can be corrected by the Office of Student Financial Aid through CPS electronically. In this instance, you will receive an updated Student Aid Report (SAR), which allows you to see the changes made and the result of the change(s). Please do not make any changes to your processed SAR, unless directed by the Office of Student Financial Aid. You must notify the Office of Student Financial Aid if there have been changes in your household status.
How will I know if additional information is required?
The Office of Student Financial Aid will send you a letter informing you if additional information is required to complete the processing of your financial aid application.
Will a change in the information affect my student aid award?
Yes, some changes could affect your financial aid award estimates. You may review changes to your award via BANNER Web www.sutton2.mvsu.edu 5-7 days after corrections have been submitted. You will also receive an updated award notification.
What if I did not keep a copy of my tax return?
If you do not have a copy of your return, please contact your tax preparer or you can contact the IRS at www.irs.gov or by calling 1-800-829-1040 to request a letter 1722.
What if my parents were not required to file taxes?
They must submit a Non-filer Transcript which can be obtained from the IRS through www.irs.gov or by calling 1-800-829-1040.
May I provide form 8453 from the IRS?
No, because it does not provide sufficient information for the verification process.
Where do I return my completed worksheet and signed tax return?
You may mail them to: Mississippi Valley State University, Office of Student Financial Aid, 14000 Highway 82 W, #7268, Itta Bena, MS 38941 or deliver them to the Office of Student Financial Aid, Modular Unit #6.