I was chosen for verification regarding my FAFSA. Currently in college.
I was told by an financial aid advisor at my college that I need to provide a 2015 verification of non-filing letter (dated on or after Oct. 1, 2016) because I have not filed for a tax return. However, after trying to request for one through the IRS’s “Get Transcript” option, I came across an error. I even tried calling their number (which is an automated service system) and could not get through. I’m assuming it’s because I’m dependent, and I get financial support from my parents.
How am I supposed to get my non-filing letter if I don’t even show up on the system? What should I do?
My other problem is that I have misplaced my W2 forms from 2015 (I need to submit those along with other verification documents for my financial aid). For that year, I only earned money during the summer, and was paid minimum wage. I can try calling my employer, but who exactly do I call? HR department?
This is all very new to me, so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
As an aside, it may be helpful to have a FAQ type of post on what needs to be provided for verification. I understand different colleges may require different documents, but going through the process, I found there are some common documents. such as nonfiling statement from IRS… I have been reading the posts, I knew I need to ask for the tax transcript, hence I was prepared, then I found the kid needs to provide nonfiling transcript…and am currently waiting for the statement.
@mintlily based on what I read here, you can also make an appointment with IRS and ask for the transcript, our appointment is near the end of this month and at the same time, I also faxed the Form 4506T and see whether I can receive it earlier.
I think @kelsmom posted a while ago that if someone did not file a tax return they would need a “verification of non filing letter”.
If someone filed a tax return and did not use IRS DRT in FAFSA to transfer in tax return information (currently unavailable until at least next fall), then the college can request a tax transcript to verify income.
Also if a household has very low or no income, the college might ask how they make ends meet.
When ordering the tax transcript or verification of nonfiling letter, you might need to use the option to call or print the form and order transcript by mail (especially if you have never filed a return or don’t want to order online).
If you live near an IRS office, you might be able to get an appointment to get the document there.
I think it might be best to file a tax return, even if income is low and you are not required to, if you need it for FAFSA.
And use the DRT when able to, early in the fall.
My son had income from a part time job, he had no federal tax withheld but I still filed a 2016 return for him because we will need it for his FAFSA next year.
@mommdc thanks. Why can’t your son just get a nonfiling verification letter (easier ??). Both of my kids had income for the past year, they do not need to file and the younger one even has a refund of about $40 if I do file… I think I have until Monday to file… BTW, how did you file for your son? My accountant told me I can file online for my kids and said that I have to wait until he filed for mine (claiming the kids as dependents) than I can begin to file…
Both kids got to efile for free with Turbotax freedom edition. My D got a refund, my son doesn’t owe or get a refund.
I don’t know, I just figured I will file a tax return for them both and use DRT next year. But I guess if someone would prefer to get a non filing letter, they could do that.
Our one kid still has one more fafsa to file. She had very very VERY small income last year. She filed a 1040A because frankly…it’s a lot easier to file than to get and deal with the non-filers statement.
I do not know whether the parent has to file first, but in my case, the accountant told me that I should file for the kid after he sent in the return. I do not know the specific reason, but he just asked me to trust him as he had seen people mess up the filing.(still not sure why)…he did not file for the kid because it would cause me more to get the refund… I had initially thought of not filing ($40) but now I think I may just file it to save the headache for next year.