Verification

Verification is a process used to confirm that the information you provided on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is accurate. Students are selected at random by the U.S. Department of Education or the university. This process can occur before or after a student is offered financial aid.

If you are selected for verification, the UNI Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will request documents from you to verify the information you reported on your FAFSA. Submitting the requested documents in a timely manner helps to expedite the typical 7-10 day verification process.

How to Review Requested Verification Documents (PDF)

Verification Frequently Asked Questions

How do I view the requested verification documents?

To view the requested verification documents, log in to your MyUNIverse account and go to your Student Center. The requested verification documents will be listed in your To Do List on the Student Center. For a list of step-by-step instructions with screen shots, please review this PDF document: How to View Requested Verification Documents.

Will I still get my financial aid if I have been selected for verification?

YOUR FINANCIAL AID WILL NOT DISBURSE UNTIL WE RECEIVE THE REQUESTED INFORMATION AND ANY NECESSARY CHANGES HAVE BEEN PROCESSED. When verification is complete, you will receive an email communication advising you to review your financial aid offer online and accept/decline any new offers.

How do I submit the requested documents?

The following are options for submitting documents to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. Please make sure to include student name and UNI ID number on all documents.

Fax: 319-273-6950
Mail: 105 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0024
Email: fin-aid@uni.edu (as a reminder, no personal information (e.g., social security numbers, date of birth, etc.) should be sent via email)

How can I avoid delays in verification processing?

Submit all documents as quickly as possible. Make sure your UNI student ID number is on each page. Double-check that all documents are complete and signed by the necessary individuals. Once you have submitted the requested information, continue to check your UNI email in case additional information is required. As a reminder, students and parents should never send personally identifiable information, such as Social Security Numbers, via email.

Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, 105 Gilchrist Hall, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0024
Email: fin-aid@uni.edu
Fax: (319) 273-6950

What if my Federal Tax Return Transcript was requested?

If eligible, use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA. This will pull the tax information directly from the IRS into the FAFSA.

What is the IRS Data Retrieval Tool?

The IRS Data Retrieval Tool allows applicants who have already filed their federal income tax return to populate some answers on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by transferring data directly from their federal income tax returns. Eligible applicants who choose to use the tool when completing their FAFSA will be temporarily transferred to the IRS web site. After the applicant has authenticated themselves, the IRS web site will display the data to be transferred to the FAFSA. The applicant may then choose whether or not to transfer the data.

In most cases, an applicant who has used the IRS Data Retrieval Tool will not need to turn in a copy of their tax return transcript or tax return to the school. The IRS Data Retrieval Tool can be used 1-2 weeks after the federal income tax return is filed electronically and 6-8 weeks after filing a paper return. The IRS Data Retrieval Tool is available each year to use on the initial FAFSA or corrections to the FAFSA.

HOWEVER, if you were unable to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, the following will be required:

For the 2022-23 FAFSA, you can submit your 2020 signed Federal Tax Return OR your 2020 Tax Return Transcript to our office to fulfill this requirement.
For the 2023-24 FAFSA, you can submit your 2021 signed Federal Tax Return OR your 2021 Tax Return Transcript to our office to fulfill this requirement.

What if I didn't file taxes?

If you are a dependent student:

If you (the student) did not file taxes, please check the appropriate box on the Verification Form.
For the 2022-23 FAFSA:
- If your parent(s) did not file taxes, please provide documentation from the IRS that indicates a 2020 federal income tax return was not filed with the IRS.
- If you or your parents worked but weren't required to file, please provide us a copy of the 2020 W-2 form(s).
For the 2023-24 FAFSA:
- If your parent(s) did not file taxes, please provide documentation from the IRS that indicates a 2021 federal income tax return was not filed with the IRS.
- If you or your parents worked but weren't required to file, please provide us a copy of the 2021 W-2 form(s).

If you are an independent student:

For the 2022-23 FAFSA: If you did not file taxes, please provide documentation from the IRS that indicates a 2020 federal income tax return was not filed with the IRS.
For the 2023-24 FAFSA: If you did not file taxes, please provide documentation from the IRS that indicates a 2021 federal income tax return was not filed with the IRS.

What if I file an amended tax return?

If you have filed or will file an amended tax return, you will need to provide UNI with a signed tax return or a transcript obtained from the IRS for the applicable tax year, as well as a signed amended return (IRS Form 1040X) for the applicable year filed with the IRS.

How do I request a tax transcript if I have been the victim of identity theft?

Students or parents who have been victims of Identity Theft and are unable to get a tax return transcript through one of the normal ways must contact the Identity Protection Specialization Unit (IPSU) of the IRS at (800)908-4490. After the IPSU authenticates the tax filer’s identity, the tax filer can request that the IRS mail them an alternate paper tax return transcript called the TRDBV (Transcript Database View). This form is only available by calling this number and will only be mailed to the tax filer.

Once you have received the Tax Return Database View (TRDBV), send it to UNI along with a statement signed and dated by the tax filer indicating that they were victims of IRS related identity theft and that the IRS has been made aware of the tax-related identity theft.