Verification
Some financial aid applicants will be required to verify the accuracy of financial data based upon federal regulations. Creighton University participates in the Department of Education's Quality Assurance (QA) Program which involves institutional commitment to quality and customer service. As a result of this project, criteria for the selection of applicants for verification may vary according to population segments or data elements where inaccuracies occur most frequently.
If you are selected for verification, you will be instructed to complete the Creighton Verification Worksheet. Other documents may be requested, such as tax return transcripts, W-2 forms, and documentation of other forms of income. Be sure to check your NEST account for requested items periodically as they may change. When verification is complete, you will be notified of your eligibility for financial aid through an email directing you to your NEST account.
IRS Tax Return Transcript Request
The US Department of Education requires the IRS tax return transcript to be submitted to the financial aid office rather than copies of the 1040 tax return. To request a tax return transcript, go here. Click on "Order a Tax ReturnTranscript" under the number 3. Be sure you pick "Tax Return transcript" and not "Account transcript".
See what a tax return transcript looks like. Usually it is multiple pages.
Federal Tax Return copies are not acceptable
The Federal Department of Education states that copies of federal tax returns are NOT acceptable for verification purposes. Please do not send them to our office. You must request a federal tax return transcript from the IRS. It takes 2-3 weeks to obtain. Please copy and send it to the Financial Aid office. You may also have the option of using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when completing the FAFSA. A successful data match eliminates the need to send us a copy of the tax return transcript.
IRS Data Retrieval Tool - make your life easier
Most parents/students selected for verification can bypass the hassle of obtaining Federal Tax Transcripts by agreeing to the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) option when filing their FAFSA. While filing the FAFSA, you will be asked if you want the system to do a data match with the IRS. If you agree, the system will automatically access your tax return data and match elements. If you get a notice that you have a successful match, you don't have to send us your Tax Transcript. Here are some key points to remember:
- File your tax return early and electronically.
- File your tax return at least 2 weeks before you complete your FAFSA.
- Not everyone can do a DRT.
Go here for more information about the DRT.