Verification of 2018 Income Information for Student Nontax Filers
What this Verification form is and when it applies
Why accurate verification matters for financial aid decisions
Accurate completion establishes nonfiling status for 2018, supports correct awarding of need-based aid, and reduces audit or reprocessing risk for the student and institution.
Who completes and relies on this verification
Typical users include students, parents (when parental data is needed), financial aid officers, and institutional auditors.
- Students who did not file a 2018 federal tax return and must verify income for FAFSA reconciliation
- Parents of dependent students who did not file 2018 returns but provided household income
- Financial aid administrators who document nonfiling status and reconcile reported income
Step-by-step: Completing the verification form
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01Gather documents: Collect paystubs, W-2s (if any), benefit award letters, and photo ID.
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02Fill fields: Enter student and household details, income lines, and nonfiling explanation.
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03Attach evidence: Upload or attach supporting documents per instructions.
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04Sign and submit: Sign (wet or compliant e-signature) and send to the financial aid office.
Where the completed form goes and how it moves through review
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Student submission: Student uploads or returns signed form to the institution's aid office or secure portal.
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Intake review: Aid staff confirm identity, completeness, and supporting documents.
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Verification processing: Office reconciles reported income with FAFSA records and updates eligibility.
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Final determination: Award package is adjusted and student is notified of any changes.
Configuring an online verification workflow
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Required fields | Make student name, ID, income fields, and signature mandatory |
| Attachments | Allow PDF, JPG, PNG; set max file size per upload |
| Signer authentication | Use email + optional SMS code or institutional SSO for parents |
| Retention policy | Auto-archive completed forms into student record system |
Technical considerations for eSubmission and signatures
Ensure your eSignature platform supports required authentication, audit trails, and secure storage before eSubmitting the form.
- Authentication: Email link with optional SMS or SSO
- Audit trail: Capture IP, timestamp, and action log
- File formats: Accept PDF, DOCX, image files
Timing and processing expectations
Submission deadline:
Follow the institution's verification deadline, often within 30 days of request
Processing time:
Most aid offices process verifications within 7–21 business days after complete receipt
FAFSA reconciliation:
Adjustments to FAFSA-derived aid can occur after verification is accepted
Appeal window:
Students typically have a limited period to appeal or supply additional documents
Record updates:
Award notices reflect verified results in the next servicing cycle
Key milestones from request to resolution
Request Issued
Office sends verification request and lists required evidence
Student Response
Student returns completed form and attachments
Intake Check
Staff verify identity and completeness
Final Review
Verification accepted or additional documentation requested
Common mistakes that delay verification
- Missing supporting documents such as paystubs or benefit letters, which triggers follow-up and delays
- Incomplete or mismatched names/IDs that prevent matching to the FAFSA record
- Unsigned forms or signatures that do not meet the institution's authentication policy
- Entering net instead of gross income figures or omitting income sources
Consequences of incorrect or fraudulent verification
Comparison: eSignature pricing and feature snapshot for form processing
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
Practical tips to speed verification and avoid rework
Frequently asked questions about verification and nonfiling attestations
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Can I sign electronically?
Yes if your institution accepts electronic signatures that meet ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA requirements, and the platform provides an audit trail showing intent, attribution, and retention.
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What proof of income is acceptable?
Acceptable evidence typically includes W-2s, paystubs, employer letters, unemployment or benefits statements. Institutions may list specific acceptable documents in their verification request.
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Do I need a notary?
Most verifications do not require notarization, but some institutions or states may request a notarized signature; check the request letter for special notarization requirements.
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What if I filed taxes late for 2018?
If a return was later filed for 2018, provide the IRS transcript or filed return instead of a nonfiling attestation; notify the financial aid office to reconcile FAFSA data.
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How long will review take?
Processing commonly takes 7–21 business days after a complete form and supporting documents are received; more complex cases with follow-up may take longer.
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Who can sign on behalf of a parent?
A parent must sign their own attestation. A legal guardian or person with power of attorney should provide documentation authorizing them to sign if acting on behalf of a parent.