What Is FAFSA Verification?

As part of the federal aid process, New York University is required to verify the information provided on FAFSA applications from part of its student population. 

If your application is selected, we will gather information from you through a review. We are obligated to make corrections to your application if any of that information doesn’t match. 

Your eligibility for federal and/or institutional aid could change if the information we gathered differs from what you provided on your FAFSA. The verification process may take several business days. If information is unclear or conflicting, we may ask you for additional documentation. 

Responding to a verification request is important, because your federal and need-based financial aid will be canceled if you don’t return documents in a timely and complete manner.

How to Complete the Verification Process

After you’ve been notified of the verification, you should log in to NYU Albert and click on the verification link located on your To-Do List. You can also navigate to the FAFSA verification portal directly through nyu.studentforms.com

While in the portal, please note:

  • The FAFSA verification portal uses single sign on: You will register and then log in using your NYU email and password. While registering, your first and last name, date of birth, and social security number must match the information that you provided on your FAFSA exactly.
  • You can use multiple devices: FAFSA verification can be completed on your phone, tablet, or computer. You can securely upload documents from any device, and E-sign is available and encouraged.
  • Parent’s E-signature: If you are a dependent student, you will be able to request your parent’s E-signature in the verification portal.

If information you submitted doesn’t match your FAFSA, you will receive an email asking you to log in to the FAFSA verification portal to view a list of outstanding tasks.

Using the Data Retrieval Tool or Requesting a Tax Return Transcript

By using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, you can transfer needed IRS tax return information directly into your FAFSA through the IRS website.

The Data Retrieval Tool provides an easy way to ensure you provide the most accurate information for your FAFSA without needing to provide a copy of your or your parents’ tax return transcript. 

If you are eligible to use the Data Retrieval Tool, you can click “Link to IRS” in the FAFSA to transfer your tax return information from the IRS website to your FAFSA.

You are ineligible to use the tool if you or your parents:

  • Are married and filed as Married Filing Separately.
  • Are married and filed as Head of Household.
  • Filed a Form 1040X amended tax return. This form is used to correct your original filed tax return.
  • Filed a Puerto Rican or foreign tax return.

If this is the case, you will need to enter your tax return information manually. 

Additionally, if you or your parents filed your tax returns electronically within the last three weeks or through the mail within the last eleven weeks, you may need to either enter your tax return information manually or return at a later date to transfer your tax return information. 

You can find instructions on how to request a tax return transcript in your Verification Request forms on your NYU Albert To-Do List. Further information about requesting a transcript of your tax return is available on the IRS website or at 1-800-829-1040.

Frequently Asked Questions

New York University has compiled some frequently asked questions to help you through the verification process.

You can watch these video tutorials to help you answer the following questions:

  • What does it mean to be selected for federal verification?
  • Why was I selected for verification?
  • Will this process change my financial aid?
  • What if I do not, or cannot, submit the requested documents?