Federal Verification
Verification is the process that schools use to confirm that your FAFSA information is accurate. FAFSA records may be selected for verification by the federal government or the school for many reasons. For example, there may be unclear or conflicting information on the FAFSA. Also, the federal processor may select your FAFSA for verification at random. The verification process helps ensure students receive the full amount of financial aid for which they are eligible and to prevent financial aid from going to students who are not eligible.
To complete the verification process, all you need to do is provide the requested documentation by the listed deadline. We will provide you with full instructions via your Web4U requirements and active messages and we have staff on hand to help you through the process.
The verification process is a federal regulation and must be completed in order for a student to receive federal aid and most other types of financial aid. If you do not wish to complete the verification process, and therefore not receive financial aid, please notify us so we can update your status. If you do not complete verification by the listed deadline, we will discontinue processing and cancel reserved, or paid, financial aid.
Documents should be submitted as soon as possible and are processed in the order received. Processing of your application for aid will be discontinued if all outstanding documents are not submitted by the deadlines below. In the event your aid application is discontinued, you may reactivate processing by contacting our office.
Financial Aid Forms can be accessed via the Forms section of our website. Be sure to select the correct aid year when selecting forms. Information on the various ways to submit forms is also available on the Forms page including how to use our Secure Document Uploader!
IRS Tax Data Instructions
If you have been notified via your email or Web4U that you have an outstanding requirement requesting specific IRS tax data for you, your spouse, and/or your parents, please use the information below to obtain the correct documentation.
Tax Return Documentation
- IRS Tax Return: Provide an IRS Form 1040 Tax Return for the correct tax year with a handwritten signature in the "Sign Here" section (or "Paid Preparer Use Only" section fully completed), AND all other schedules filed with the tax return. IRS Form 8879 cannot be accepted in place of a handwritten signature on the Tax Return.
- Important! If you are required to submit an IRS Tax Return Transcript, an IRS Form 1040 Tax Return cannot be accepted.
- IRS Tax Return Transcript: Provide an IRS Tax Return Transcript for the correct tax year. To order this transcript online, go to IRS.gov, select "Get your tax records and transcripts" and sign in to your online account. You may either download the tax year return transcript or select "Get transcript by mail."
- Obtaining information by phone or mail: if you are not able to obtain the documentation online, you can also call 800-908-9946 or complete IRS form 4506-T and fax or mail it to the IRS.
W-2 or Income Record Documentation
- IRS Form W-2: Provide all IRS Form W-2s for the correct tax year. If a Corrected Wage and Income Tax Statement (W-2c ) is submitted, you must also submit the original IRS Form W-2 that was corrected.
- IRS Wage & Income Transcript: Provide an IRS Wage & Income Transcript for the correct tax year. To order this transcript online, go to IRS.gov, select "Get your tax records and transcripts" and sign in to your online account. You may either download the tax year return transcript or select "Get transcript by mail."
- Obtaining information by phone or mail: if you are not able to obtain the documentation online, you can also call 800-908-9946 or complete IRS form 4506-T and fax or mail it to the IRS.
If you need assistance with determining the appropriate documentation or questions about what is required please contact the Financial Aid Services Center at financialaid@wwu.edu or 360-650-3470.
Tax Data Important Information
Most students and parent or spouse contributors will have their tax information automatically imported into the FAFSA using the Direct Data Exchange (DDX). In some situations you must manually enter your tax and income information. Contact the Financial Aid Department if you have questions about what tax year's information is being used or if you require assistance in filing your FAFSA.
Note
Aid offered after a previously canceled application will be on an aid-available basis.
| Beginning Quarter of Attendance | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | November 7, 2025 |
| Fall and/or Winter 2026 | February 20, 2026 |
| Fall/ Winter and/or Spring 2026 | May 15, 2026 |
Quarterly Deadlines for Satisfactory Academic Progress Reinstatement are listed on the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy page.