2021–2022 Student Income Verification

1. Request a 2019 Verification of Nonfiling Letter from the IRS. If you are a dependent student, a Verification of Nonfiling is not needed. Proceed to the student income verification form and submit.
   • If after 10 business days you or your spouse have been unsuccessful in obtaining the 2019 Verification of Nonfiling (VONF) Letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you/your spouse may submit a signed and dated statement in lieu of the Verification of Nonfiling Letter containing the following information.
     • Student/Spouse full name.
     • Student/spouse did not file and was not required to file a 2019 Federal Tax Return.
     • Student/spouse has been unsuccessful in obtaining an IRS Verification of Nonfiling Letter.
     • The date you/your spouse attempted to contact the IRS.
     • Indicate whether or not student/spouse has a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN).
     • Indicate if student/spouse had income earned from work in 2019. If yes, they must list their employers and amount received in 2019.

2. If you are married, collect the following documents based on your spouse’s 2019 income and tax filing status:

• Nontax Filing Spouse: Have your spouse request a 2019 Verification of Nonfiling Letter from the IRS. Also collect your spouse’s 2019 W-2 forms if they earned income from work.
• Federal Tax Filing Spouse:Your spouse should provide a signed copy of their 2019 Federal Tax Return.
• Foreign Tax Filing Spouse: Have your spouse request a 2019 Foreign Tax Transcript from their foreign tax authority. Also make an English translation of the foreign tax document. See Guidance for Foreign Tax Filers below for more information.

1. Request a 2019 Verification of Nonfiling Letter from the IRS.
   • If after 10 business days you or your spouse have been unsuccessful in obtaining the 2019 Verification of Nonfiling (VONF) Letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you/your spouse may submit a signed and dated statement in lieu of the Verification of Nonfiling Letter containing the following information.
     • Student/spouse full name.
     • Student/spouse did not file and was not required to file a 2019 Federal Tax Return.
     • Student/spouse has been unsuccessful in obtaining an IRS Verification of Nonfiling Letter.
     • The date student/spouse attempted to contact the IRS.
     • Indicate whether or not student/spouse has a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN).
     • Indicate if student/spouse had income earned from work in 2019. If yes, they must list their employers and amount received in 2019.

2. Collect a copy of each of your 2019 W-2 forms.
3. If you earned foreign income in 2019 but did not file a foreign tax return for 2019, please see the Guidance for foreign nontax filers below.
4. If you are married, collect the following documents based on your spouse’s 2019 income and tax filing status:

• Nontax Filing Spouse: Have your spouse request a 2019 Verification of Nonfiling Letter from the IRS. Also collect your spouse’s 2019 W-2 forms if they earned income from work.
• Federal Tax Filing Spouse: Your spouse should provide a signed copy of their 2019 Federal Tax Return.
• Foreign Tax Filing Spouse: Have your spouse request a 2019 Foreign Tax Transcript from their foreign tax authority. Also make an English translation of the foreign tax document. See Guidance for Foreign Tax Filers below for more information.

ASU recommends you make a correction to your 2021–2022 FAFSA and use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to import your 2019 tax data because it is the fastest, most accurate and secure way to complete this task.

There are certain conditions where the IRS DRT will not be available.

• The student and either the student or his/her spouse filed as Married Filing Separately.
• The student is married, and either the student or his/her spouse filed as Head of Household.
• The student filed a Puerto Rican or foreign tax return.

If you are unable to use the IRS DRT on the FAFSA, upload a signed copy of your 2019 Federal Tax Return into the eForm below. You must include the first 2 pages as well as all federal schedules (1, 2 and/or 3) of your 2019 Federal Tax Return. The first 2 pages must be signed or contain the tax preparer EIN/PTIN.

If you are married, collect the following documents based on your spouse's 2019 income and tax filing status:

• Nontax Filing Spouse: Have your spouse request a 2019 Verification of Nonfiling Letter from the IRS. Also collect your spouse’s 2019 W-2 forms if they earned income from work.
• Federal Tax Filing Spouse: If you filed a joint 2019 tax return, use the IRS DRT or upload a signed copy of the joint 2019 Federal Tax Return. If you and your spouse filed separate 2019 Federal Tax Returns, upload both signed 2019 Federal Tax Returns.
• Foreign Tax Filing Spouse: Have your spouse request a 2019 Foreign Tax Transcript from their foreign tax authority. Also make an English translation of the foreign tax document and provide the type of currency on the foreign tax return.
• Upload your 2019 W-2 form(s) if you are Separated or Divorced and filed Married Filing Jointly in 2019.

1. Request a 2019 Foreign Tax Return Transcript from your foreign tax authority.
2. If you are unable to obtain a free copy of your foreign tax transcript from your foreign tax authority, upload a signed copy of your 2019 foreign tax return (equivalent to the IRS 1040), along with proof that the foreign tax authority charges a fee. See Guidance for Foreign Tax Filers below for more information. Make an English translation of the foreign tax document.
3. If you are married, collect the following documents based on your spouse’s 2019 income and tax filing status:

• Nontax Filing Spouse: have your spouse request a 2019 Verification of Nonfiling Letter from the IRS. Also collect your spouse’s 2019 W-2 Forms if they had income earned from work.
• Federal Tax Filing Spouse: a signed copy of their 2019 Federal Tax Return.
• Foreign Tax Filing Spouse: have your spouse request a 2019 Foreign Tax Transcript from their foreign tax authority. Also make an English translation of the foreign tax document and provide the type of currency on the foreign tax return.

There are three ways to request a 2019 Verification of Nonfiling Letter from the IRS. Before choosing an option, please read the following important information:

• Individuals that have never filed taxes and individuals with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number must request a VONF Letter by using Option 2: Paper request.
• Individuals who are unable to register for the Get Transcript Online service will need to request a VONF Letter by using Option 2: Paper request.
• Individuals who do not have a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification number will not be able to request a VONF Letter. Instead, upload a signed statement that certifies the individual does not have an SSN or ITIN, along with a list of each source of 2019 income received and the 2019 amount earned from each source.

Option 1: Online VONF Letter request

If the tax filer has a credit security freeze with Equifax, they must request a temporary freeze lift until they have successfully registered or the IRS will not be able to verify their identity. They will need to contact Equifax to resume the freeze unless they scheduled it to resume automatically. For more information, visit IRS Get Transcript FAQs.

1. Instantly retrieve a VONF Letter online at the IRS Get Transcript website by clicking the Get Transcript Online button. The online tool requires the user to register before submitting a request. The user must have the following:
   • Access to a valid email address.
   • A Social Security number.
   • Their filing status and address from the last-filed tax return.
   • A text-enabled mobile phone in the user’s name (pay-as-you-go plans cannot be used).
   • Their personal account number from one of the following: credit card, home mortgage loan, home equity line of credit or car loan.
   • During the registration process, the IRS will send the user a confirmation code via email and an authentication code via text. The IRS email and text will contain a one-time code that the user will use to finalize their registration. After a login has been created, continue by entering your IRS username.
   • Select the reason the transcript is needed: Higher education or student aid.
   • The * symbol will indicate the availability of a VONF Letter for the year. Click 2019 and a pop-up will appear. Make sure that pop-up blockers on your browser are disabled for this feature.
   • Print the 2019 VONF Letter.

    

   Option 2: Paper VONF Letter request

Option 3: Call the IRS at 1-800-908-9946 to request a copy of your verification of nonfiling letter.

1. Print the IRS Form 4506-T from the IRS website.
2. Enter your or your spouse’s personal information on the top of the form and enter your 10-digit ASU ID number on line 5 (customer file number).
3. Check box 7 (Verification of Nonfiling).
4. On line 9, enter 12/31/2019.
5. Sign and submit to the IRS.
6. After the IRS processes the IRS Form 4506-T, the Verification of Nonfiling Letter will be mailed to you or your spouse in 7 to 10 business days.

Use one of the following methods to replace your 2019 W-2 forms:

1. Request a replacement copy from the employer who issued the original.
2. Request a 2019 Wage and Income Transcript by printing and completing the IRS Form 4506-T from the IRS website. Please use the tips below to complete the 4506-T.

• Enter your 10-digit ASU ID number on line 5 (customer file number).
• Check box 8 (Form W-2).
• On line 9, enter 12/31/2019.
• Sign and submit it to the IRS.
• After the IRS processes your IRS Form 4506-T, the Wage and Income Transcript will be mailed to you in 7 to 10 business days.

Use one of the following methods to request a Tax Return Transcript. Before choosing the first option, please read the IRS user requirements to see if it is a viable option.

1. You can instantly retrieve your TRT online at the IRS Get Transcript website by clicking the Get Transcript Online button. The online tool requires the user to register before submitting a request. The user must have the following:

• Access to a valid email address.
• A Social Security number.
• Their filing status and address from the last-filed tax return.
• A text-enabled mobile phone in the user’s name (pay-as-you-go plans cannot be used).
• Their personal account number from one of the following: credit card, home mortgage loan, home equity line of credit or car loan.

If the tax filer has a credit security freeze with Equifax, they must request a temporary freeze lift until they have successfully registered or the IRS will not be able to verify their identity. They will need to contact Equifax to resume the freeze unless they scheduled it to resume automatically. For more information, visit IRS Get Transcript FAQs.

1. Have your 2019 TRT mailed to you by visiting the IRS Get Transcript website and clicking the Get Transcript by Mail button. Once requested, it will take 7 to 10 business days to receive by mail.
2. Call 1-800-908-9946 and use the IRS automated phone system to request your 2019 TRT be mailed to you. Once requested, it will take 7 to 10 business days to receive by mail.
3. Print the IRS Form 4506T-EZ from the IRS website. Complete lines 1 through 4 and enter your 10-digit ASU ID number on line 5 (customer file number). Enter the tax year 2019 on line 6. Then, sign and submit to the IRS. After the IRS processes your IRS Form 4506T-EZ, the Tax Return Transcript will be mailed to you in 7 to 10 business days.

ASU will compare your date of marriage or divorce listed on the FAFSA to your and your spouse's tax filing status on the 2019 Federal Tax Returns (i.e., single, head of household, married filing jointly, married filing separately) to ensure no conflicting information exists.

If your or your spouse's 2019 tax filing status conflicts with your marital status on Dec. 31, 2019, you will need to provide ASU with documentation that shows you and your spouse used the proper tax filing status or you and your spouse will have to amend the 2019 Federal Tax Returns with the IRS and submit a signed copy of the 2019 amended tax documents to ASU.

All federal student aid recipients and their spouses are expected to comply with published tax laws.

The necessary documentation needed depends on the foreign country or U.S. territory in which you or your spouse is a citizen. You must also attach an English translation of the document and provide the type of currency on the documentation.

Residents of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or the U.S. Virgin Islands: Upload all of your and your spouse's (if married) foreign W-2 forms (or equivalent) for each source of employment income received and list all your and your spouse's employers and amounts earned for 2019 in the eForm below.

Residents of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau or the Federated States of Micronesia: Upload all of your and your spouse's (if married) 2019 wage and tax statements from each employer and list all your and your spouse's employers and amounts earned for 2019 in the eForm below.

Residents of other foreign nations not mentioned above: Upload all of the following:

*If the foreign tax authority does not provide confirmation of non-filing, please include that information in the signed and dated letter in step 2 along with proof of the foreign taxing authority’s filing requirements (i.e., copy of the foreign tax authority's website which states who is exempt from filing tax returns).

1. A copy of all your and your spouse's (if married) foreign W-2 forms (or equivalent) for each source of employment income received.
2. A signed and dated letter that clearly states (a) you (and your spouse, if married) did not and were not required to submit a 2019 tax return in the foreign country, and (b) a list of the income sources and amounts you (and your spouse, if married) received for 2019.
3. Documentation from the foreign tax authority* that indicates you (and your spouse, if married) did not file taxes for 2019 (equivalent to the IRS Verification of Nonfiling Letter).

The necessary documentation needed depends on the foreign country or U.S. territory in which you or your spouse is a citizen. You must also attach an English translation of the document and provide the type of currency on the foreign tax return.

Residents of Puerto Rico: Upload your or your spouse's signed 2019 Puerto Rican tax return (equivalent to the IRS 1040) into the eForm below.

Residents of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau or the Federated States of Micronesia: Upload copies of all your or your spouse's 2019 wage and tax statements from each employer and identify all of your or your spouse's income sources and amounts for 2019 in the eForm below.

Residents of American Samoa: Upload your or your spouse's 2019 American Samoa tax transcript, which is free of charge from the American Samoa Tax Office, into the eForm below.

Residents of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or the U.S. Virgin Islands: Upload your or your spouse's signed 2019 tax return from Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or the U.S. Virgin Islands (equivalent to the IRS 1040) into the eForm below.

Residents of other foreign nations not mentioned above: Upload your or your spouse's 2019 foreign tax transcript* into the eForm below. A tax transcript is a document you or your spouse request from the foreign tax authority (e.g., Canada Revenue Agency, Servico de Administracion Tribtaria). It confirms the foreign income reported to the foreign tax authority.

*Per the U.S. Department of Education, only in situations where you are unable to obtain a free copy of your foreign tax transcript from your foreign tax authority, can you submit a signed copy of your foreign tax return (equivalent to the IRS 1040) along with proof that your foreign tax authority charges a fee.

The TRDBV will be requested to verify the 2019 federal tax information for victims of IRS-related identity theft who are selected for verification. The student and/or spouse may no longer have their 2019 federal tax return and cannot obtain a 2019 Tax Return Transcript (TRT) from the IRS or use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) on the 2021–2022 FAFSA on the web.

• The victim of the IRS tax-related identity theft can call the Identity Protection Specialized Unit (IPSU) toll free number at 1-800-908-4490.
• After IPSU authenticates the tax filer’s identity, they can request that the IRS mail them an alternate paper tax return transcript, known as the Transcript Database View (TRDBV).
• Once the TRDBV is received, submit a copy to ASU along with the required signed and dated letter.