Everything You Wanted to Know (and More!) Verification Returns ~ Everything You Wanted to Know (and More!)

How many returns you ask? Too many! Since our first program run for 14/15 on April 22nd until May 30th we have received 2148 Verification docs. Out of those received so far, we’ve had to return 226!

Check the Verification Screen Common Reasons for Returns Why was it returned? Check the Verification Screen Common Reasons for Returns Tax Returns: Missing all W-2s or explanation for wages reported Missing adequate amount of W-2s for wages reported Missing pages of the tax transcript Spouses filing separate returns & only send in one return Forms: Missing signatures Incomplete, items left blank Incomplete documentation attached to forms Illegible copies submitted

Read the Verification Remarks Why was it returned? Read the Verification Remarks 2 3 5 6 8 9 10 11 13 14 Tax returned – incomplete, page missing Tax returned – signature missing Tax returned – req’d all W2 forms Tax returned – illegible unable to scan Tax returned – married filing separate, req’d spouse’s Nonfiler returned – signature missing/incomplete DCOL returned – signature missing/incomplete ICOL returned – signature missing/incomplete Tax returned – schedules missing INDP returned – signature missing/incomplete These are all “canned” program return remarks we can use.

Why was it returned? (Cont.) Read the Tracking Optional Documents, Too 25 33 38 55 58 59 60 RTXS - Student's 2013 tax form returned unacceptable RTXP - Parents 2013 tax form returned unacceptable RTXB - Both parents and students tax form returned unacceptable RVCL - Verification of number in college returned unacceptable RIDP - Statement of dependency status returned unacceptable RPNF - Parent non-filer certification returned unacceptable RSNF - Student non-filer certification returned unacceptable These are all program return opt docs we can use on Tracking.

Why was it returned? Read the Verification Remarks We also can put up our own remarks that are specific to that file instead of using a canned comment:

What is the HOLD File? The Hold File is where the Verification staff puts either a copy of a document or the actual document, until we get a resolution on what we need. We currently have Hold Files for both school years (13/14 & 14/15). Docs are filed in TD order. Please ask one of us if you need to see something from the HOLD File.

Complicated Returns Often we have files that aren’t simple returns. Our “complicated” returns are usually ones where the info reported on the FAFSA & what we receive on the forms are discrepant: HOH files-parents file Head of Household/Single on taxes, PMAR=M Dependency issues-Student answered INDP on FAFSA, we received inadequate documentation or no parent info reported Homeless Youth status-Aged out of regular status, need to submit UHY PJ form Advisers to the RESCUE!!! Sometimes we ask for your help. Thanks for helping us and the students 

We often use abbreviations Why was it returned? We often use abbreviations Why? Why so brief? We try to put the most impt info on Verif about what’s dicp, if more detailed info is needed we’ll put it on Notes. What? What does that mean? When in doubt- call, email or come see someone in Verification to ask. Who? Who do I ask? A A = Annalise HD = Heather KGW = Kenneth PGM = Verification program DF = David (for now) RMW = Rose

Check the Verification Screen Was it returned? Check the Verification Screen REQ’D vs. REC’D vs. RET’D REQ’D = requested REC’D = received RET’D = returned

NEW for 14/15 Returns! We have a return (Do Not Reply) email address! This is for files where we don’t need to return a document, but do need to let students know there’s a problem with what was submitted. I GREAT idea Heather!!!

Sample of Return Email Content TAXES The IRS Tax Return Transcript was submitted without all the pages. Please submit the complete Transcript copy including all schedules & forms. Please note that transcripts are printed front & back. We have received your W-2’s but we are still in need of your 2013 IRS Tax Return Transcript. Please request an IRS Tax Return Transcript at http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript and submit it to our office as soon as possible. CTZS The documentation you submitted for U.S. Citizenship is not legible. Please make a more legible copy and return it to our office. GENERAL  The ___________________ you submitted is illegible. Please make a clearer copy and submit to our office as soon as possible.  

Check the Tracking Screen Where was it returned? Check the Tracking Screen As a rule when returning documents, we return to the address on Tracking.

What can you do to help? When Accepting Documents, Ensure That…   UFID & Name is on all documents All lines completed and opt docs are signed by student and/or parent All pages of tax return transcript are present. All W2s are attached.

Questions?