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FAFSA Tips

Common FAFSA and Verification Document Errors

At least 30% of all students who file a FAFSA will be selected for “verification.” If you are selected, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. However, if you are selected for verification be aware that an extra set of documents will be required from you. Of the students selected for verification, many complete the extra documents with errors and then need to update and resubmit them. Below are some tips to help you avoid common pitfalls.

Internal Revenue Service Data Retrieval Tool

If you filed a tax return with the IRS, you may be eligible to use the Internal Revenue Service Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) when completing the FAFSA. It is highly recommended:

    • It’s the easiest way to provide tax data.;
    • It’s the best way to ensure that your FAFSA has accurate tax information.
    • If you use the IRS DRT (and don’t change any of the retrieved information in your FAFSA) you won’t need to provide tax transcripts if you’re selected for verification.

Go here to learn more: https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out#irs-drt

Note: If you are selected for verification, this will also make the process simpler and may require less documentation from you.

    • You must use the name printed on your current Social Security Card.
    • Read each item carefully—especially when you answer questions concerning household size, number in college, adjusted gross income, taxes paid, and marital status.

Verification Tips

If you are selected for verification, additional documents will be requested from you. The requested documents vary by student, but several documents share common mistakes. Use the tips below to avoid having to submit documentation multiple times.

Verification

After you submit your FAFSA, you will be notified by the University if you are selected for verification or have a C-code.

Email Notification

If you are selected for verification or have a C-code and need to submit required documents to the University, you will receive an email to create an account for our web-based document submission application.

Students may be required to submit additional documentation to the Student Finance Office if they have certain Student Aid Report (SAR) codes listed on their FAFSA. These codes are commonly referred to as “C-Codes” and will prevent a student from being awarded with any federal student aid.

Student Portal Link

If you are selected for verification or have a C-code, a link titled “Required Financial Aid Documents” will be displayed on your Account Documents page in Purdue Global Campus. When you click the link, it will direct you to a web-based application to create your account and complete your required documents.

Student Tax Transcript

Note: If you use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (and don’t change any of the retrieved information in your FAFSA) you won’t need to provide tax transcripts if you’re selected for verification.

Identity/Statement of Educational Purpose

    • This document is required to be notarized
    • The form cannot be edited after it has been notarized
    • Include a photocopy of identification.
      • A valid and unexpired government-issued ID
      • A copy of the same government-issued ID that was provided to the notary and used in the Student Enrollment Portal must be submitted to Purdue Global.
      • Note: Military IDs are not acceptable (they cannot be photocopied).
    • The form MUST be mailed (not e-mailed or faxed) to the Financial Aid Department:
      Purdue Global
      Student Finance Office
      1515 West Cypress Creek Road
      Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

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