Requesting the Correct Documents

Verification of a FAFSA is done using both forms available on MSU's website and documents requested from the IRS. You can check your My Missouri State account for a list of requirements, with links to the MSU forms. It is important that you submit the correct documents from both our website and from the IRS.

Forms
Access financial aid forms
Review IRS transcript information

Tax Return or Transcript

Either a tax return or tax return transcript is generally acceptable. If submitting a tax return, it should be signed by either the filer or the tax preparer. Turn in just the pages marked "1040" unless otherwise requested.

There are many ways to request a transcript. Unless requested, be sure to order the Tax Return Transcript, not the Account transcript.

  1. Visit the IRS Get Transcript webpage and download your transcript (recommended).
  2. Visit the IRS Get Transcript webpage and request on be mailed to you. Anticipate at least two weeks to receive.
  3. Call 1-800-908-9946 and request a transcript be mailed to you. Anticipate at least two weeks to receive.
  4. Mail or fax IRS form 4506-T to the IRS to have a transcript mailed to your address. Mailing instructions are found on page 2 of the form.

It is important that you request the IRS Tax Return Transcript, not the IRS Tax Account Transcript. You will need your Social Security Number, date of birth, and the address on file with the IRS (this will usually be the address used when the tax return was filed). Tax return transcripts are available 2-3 weeks after electronically filing taxes and 6-8 weeks after paper filing.

W-2s / 1099s

If you are being asked to turn in W-2s or 1099s you can submit copies of the ones your employer mailed to you in February. If you do not have all of them you can request a Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS, which will include all of your W-2s and 1099s. To obtain a Wage and Income Transcript, visit the IRS Get Transcript webpage and download your transcript (preferred method), or request one be mailed to you (slower). If neither of these options are available you must request it by mailing form 4506-T to the IRS.

Verification of Non-Filing Letter

If you did not file a tax return you must submit a Verification of Non-Filing Letter before we can finish verifying your FAFSA. This letter, which must be sent to you by the IRS, proves that the IRS does not have a tax return on file for the requested year. It does not prove that someone was not required to file a return, only that they did not do so. To obtain a Verification of Non-Filing Letter, visit the IRS Get Transcript webpage and download your letter (preferred method), or request one be mailed to you (slower). If neither of these options are available you must request one by mailing form 4506-T to the IRS. A Tax Return Transcript may be substituted for this, but in either case the IRS document must be dated after October 1, 2020.

If you are a dependent student (your parents are listed on your FAFSA) then you do not need to submit a Verification of Non-Filing Letter.