VERIFICATION:
Approximately 30% of students who submit a FAFSA are selected by the U.S. Department of Education for a process called Verification. Students are notified that they have been selected for verification on the Student Aid Report that is generated from the Department of Ed after the FAFSA is submitted. Students will also be notified by Grand River Technical School that there are additional documents required in order to complete the financial aid process. Students will not be awarded a financial aid package until verification is complete.
When a student is selected for verification, GRTS will compare information from your FAFSA with student and parent (if required) financial aid tax documents. By law, we have the right to ask you for this information before awarding federal aid. Any differences between your application and your documents may require us to make corrections or updates on your behalf.
When a student is selected for verification, GRTS will compare information from your FAFSA with student and parent (if required) financial aid tax documents. By law, we have the right to ask you for this information before awarding federal aid. Any differences between your application and your documents may require us to make corrections or updates on your behalf.
What to Submit:
Institutional Verification Form — these forms are created by GRTS and students must fill out each section of the required information. Please do not fill out a form unless you have received notification that you need to complete verification, and which form you should complete. Incomplete forms will not be accepted. Students should list everyone in their household according to the instructions on the form. No spaces should be left blank. The form requires the student signature and the parent signature (if dependent).
Forms:
Dependent Student Verification- Form V1
Dependent Student Verification- Form V5
Independent Student Verification- Form V1
Independent Student Verification- Form V5
Dependent/Independent Student Verification- Form V4
Once you have provided all required documents to our office, please allow 2 weeks for processing and award notification.
Forms:
Dependent Student Verification- Form V1
Dependent Student Verification- Form V5
Independent Student Verification- Form V1
Independent Student Verification- Form V5
Dependent/Independent Student Verification- Form V4
- Tax Data — the student (and parent, if necessary) must submit actual tax documents in order for verification to be completed. The student has two options when submitting tax data:
- IRS Data Retrieval Tool — The Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) is a function available to students through the FAFSA application that is designed to allow students to import their tax data from the IRS directly to the FAFSA electronically. We prefer that students use the IRS DRT as the easiest way to input tax data and avoid mistakes. Not all students are eligible to use the Data Retrieval Tool. If you are ineligible or choose not to use the DRT to provide tax information for verification purposes, you must submit a paper tax return transcript.
- Tax Return Transcript — Once taxes have been filed and processed through the IRS, the IRS produces a detailed, line-by-line transcript of the information that was submitted. The tax return transcript can only be retrieved directly from the IRS. There is no charge for obtaining a tax return transcript. There are three options to receive the tax transcript:
- Online—Download or request the tax return transcript as a PDF (preferred method)
- Visit www.irs.gov and click Get Transcript of Your Tax Returns
- Click Get Transcript ONLINE
- Follow the instructions to download a PDF of your tax return transcript
- You may also click on Get Transcript by MAIL to request for a copy to be sent by regular mail
- By Phone — Call (800)908-9946 to request a copy of your tax return transcript be faxed or mailed to you.
- In person — Students or parents can visit the IRS office in Overland Park, Kansas, to request a tax return transcript.
- 6717 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Overland Park, Kansas 66202
- Online—Download or request the tax return transcript as a PDF (preferred method)
- W2s — If the student or parent did not file taxes, but reported wages earned, the W2 must be submitted along with the Institutional Verification Form in order to confirm the amount of wages earned.
- IRS Data Retrieval Tool — The Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) is a function available to students through the FAFSA application that is designed to allow students to import their tax data from the IRS directly to the FAFSA electronically. We prefer that students use the IRS DRT as the easiest way to input tax data and avoid mistakes. Not all students are eligible to use the Data Retrieval Tool. If you are ineligible or choose not to use the DRT to provide tax information for verification purposes, you must submit a paper tax return transcript.
Once you have provided all required documents to our office, please allow 2 weeks for processing and award notification.
Common Errors to Avoid:
Verification can be a confusing and complex process. Avoiding common errors will help make sure that the process is smooth and all documents are submitted correctly.
- Read and follow all instructions carefully. The instructions on the forms are very clear and are meant to assist students with completing all items correctly. Reading the instructions carefully and asking for clarification, if necessary, will help to avoid many common errors.
- Dependent versus Independent requirements. Dependent students are required to provide both student and parent information on the FAFSA, Institutional Verification Form, and both student and parent tax documents. Parents should also be included as part of the household on Step 1 of the Institutional Verification Form. If you are unsure if you are dependent or independent, please contact our office.
- Missing Signatures. Student and spouse or parent (if applicable) signatures are required on all verification forms. If a signature is missing, the form is considered incomplete.
- Tax Return Transcripts. GRTS requires that students and parents submit Tax Return Transcripts for the verification process. This document is different from the 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ that may have originally been submitted to the IRS. See the What to Submit section above for information on how to obtain a Tax Return Transcript from the IRS.
- Financial Information. The Institutional Verification Form requires that students and parents list wages earned, even if the individual did not file taxes. If the student or parent earned wages, but did not file taxes a W2 is required. If there are questions about the financial information that is requested, please contact our office at 660.646.3414.
The Grand River Technical School adheres to a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of age, color, creed, handicap, marital or parental status, national origin, race, religion, or sex in admissions, educational programs, activities, financial aid, and employment.
Public Notice - Non Discrimination Statement - Chilliocthe RII School District
The Chillicothe R-II School District complies with all federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974 and the American Disabilities Act (ADA). It is the policy of the school district that no person, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap, shall be discriminated against in employment, educational programs and activities or admissions. Inquiries or complaints concerning the Chillicothe R-II School District’s compliance with the regulations implementing Title II, Title VI, Title IX, Section 504 or the American Disabilities Act (ADA) may be directed to: Superintendent Office, Chillicothe R-II School District, P.O. Box 530, Chillicothe, Missouri, 64601. (660-646-4566).
The Chillicothe R-II School District complies with all federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974 and the American Disabilities Act (ADA). It is the policy of the school district that no person, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap, shall be discriminated against in employment, educational programs and activities or admissions. Inquiries or complaints concerning the Chillicothe R-II School District’s compliance with the regulations implementing Title II, Title VI, Title IX, Section 504 or the American Disabilities Act (ADA) may be directed to: Superintendent Office, Chillicothe R-II School District, P.O. Box 530, Chillicothe, Missouri, 64601. (660-646-4566).
