Your Application was selected for review in a process called “Verification.” In this process, we will be comparing information you and your
spouse (if applicable) provided on the FAFSA to ensure its accuracy. If you have been selected for verification, you may be wondering why
and what you should do next.
Why is your file being verified?
 You did not use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when completing the FAFSA.
 You used the IRS Data Retrieval Tool but changed some of the data on the FAFSA.
 You were selected randomly by the Federal Government
 The submitted FAFSA application has estimated, incomplete, or contradictory data.
What needs to be done after the selection?
Now that you have been selected for verification, we require you to provide certain documentation as soon as possible. You must complete
this form. You must also provide tax information. You may also be asked for other information which can be determined by looking at your
Gateway or My Cat account.
What happens if there are discrepancies in the application?
You may be asked to provide additional forms or documentation. You will receive an email from the WCU Financial Aid Office, and you
should check your Gateway or My Cat account frequently for notification of additional items that may be needed. After all required
documents have been received and compared to your FAFSA data, the Financial Aid Office will make corrections if errors are found.
Because verification must be completed before your federal financial aid can be disbursed, it is vital to send accurate and complete
information as quickly as possible.
Above all else, don’t be upset because you were selected for verification. This process is required by the federal government.
In some instances the Financial Aid Office could identify errors in your data that results in an increase to your eligibility for federal aid.
Required Tax Information
If you chose not to use IRS Data Retrieval when completing your FAFSA you have two options:
1.
2.
Go back into your FAFSA and use the IRS Data Retrieval option (this is the quickest way to get your tax information to us) or
Request a Tax Transcript from the IRS
If you were not eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval you MUST request a Tax Transcript from the IRS.
If you file an amended tax return or are the victim of identity theft, you MUST contact the WCU Financial Aid Office for additional
instructions.
If you are having trouble using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool or completing an online request for a transcript, check out our website for an
explanation of what might be the cause. (http://www.wcu.edu/30282.asp)
How to Obtain a Tax Transcript from the IRS
In most cases, for electronic filers, a Tax Transcript may be requested within 2-3 weeks after the tax return is accepted by the IRS.
Generally, for filers of a paper tax return, the Tax Transcript may be requested 8-11 weeks after the return is accepted by the IRS.
Be sure to request a Tax Transcript NOT an Account Transcript.
Do not have transcripts sent directly to WCU Financial Aid – Without the student’s ID we may not be able to determine who it is for.
There are a number of ways to obtain a copy of your Federal Tax Transcript from the IRS, but there are significant delays involved so please
plan ahead:
1. Online request at www.irs.gov
2. Telephone Request
a. Automated attendant – 1-800-908-9946
b. Live person (not recommended) – 1-800-829-1040 – be prepared to be on hold for awhile. You may be able to request
that the transcript be faxed to you rather than be mailed.
3. Paper Request – IRS Form 4506T – MUST BE USED IF YOU MOVED SINCE FILING YOUR TAXES
Available for download at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506t.pdf?portlet=103
4. Visit your local IRS Office
Visit www.irs.gov/localcontacts/index.html for office locations
Office of Financial Aid
118 Killian Annex │ Cullowhee, NC 28723 │ 828.227.7290 tel │ 828.227.7042 fax │ finaid.wcu.edu
Form 201 - 2015-2016 Verification Worksheet – Dependent
A. Student Information
______________________________ ____________________________________________________
Student ID
Last Name
First Name
MI
________________ ________________
Date of Birth
Cell phone #
B. Family Information
List the people in your parent(s)’ household, including:
• yourself and your parent(s) (including stepparent) even if you don’t live with your parents, and
• your parents’ other children, even if they don’t live with your parent(s), if (a) your parents will provide more than half of their
support from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016, or (b) the children would be required to provide parental information when
applying for Federal Student Aid, and
• other people if they now live with your parents, and your parents provide more than half of their support and
will continue to provide more than half of their support from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.
Write the names of all household members in the space(s) below. Also write in the name of the college for any household member,
excluding your parent(s), who will be attending at least half time between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016, and will be enrolled in a
degree, diploma, or certificate program. If you need more space, attach a separate page.
Full Name
Age
Relationship
Does this person receive
more than 50% support from
parent(s) listed? Yes/No
Self
College or University
Western Carolina University
C. Food Stamp Benefits
In 2013 or 2014 did you, your parents, or anyone listed above who received more than 50% support from your parents, receive food
stamps/SNAP Benefits?
Yes: _____
No: _____
D. Child support (Complete section if parent(s) listed above paid child support because of divorce, separation, or as a result of a legal requirement.)
Name of person who paid support
Person to whom support was paid
Name of child support was
paid for
Age of
child
Amount paid in
2014
E. Tax Return Information
Student Section (check one box only)
___ Check here if you will not file a 2014 US Income Tax Return
Continue to section F.
If you chose not to use IRS Data Retrieval
___ Check here if you will, or have already gone back into the FAFSA to
use Data Retrieval
If not, you MUST submit a copy of your transcript with this form.
Skip to section G
____ Check here if you were not eligible to use IRS Data Retrieval
You MUST attach a copy of your tax transcript to this form.
Skip to section G
Parent(s) Section (check one box only)
___ Check here if you will not file a 2014 US Income Tax Return
Continue to section F.
If you chose not to use IRS Data Retrieval
___ Check here if you will, or have already gone back into the FAFSA to
use Data Retrieval
If not, you MUST submit a copy of your transcript with this form.
Skip to section G
____ Check here if you were not eligible to use IRS Data Retrieval
You MUST attach a copy of your tax transcript to this form.
Skip to section G
F. Earned Income Information
If you and/or your parent(s) earned income by working in 2014 but did not file a tax return, list all employers and amounts of earned income
below (for the person who did not file a tax return), and they must ATTACH W2’s (if provided by employer) to this form . If neither you nor your
parent(s) earned income by working, complete and attach Form 207 (Low Income). This form can be found at http://www.wcu.edu/3223.asp.
Employer Name
Student Amount
$
$
Parent(s) Amount
$
$
IRS W-2 attached?
G. Sign This Form Each person signing this form certifies that all information reported is complete and accurate.
Student and at least one parent must sign this form.
Student’s Signature: _____________________________________________________
Date: _______________________________
Parent’s Signature: _____________________________________________________
Date: _______________________________