Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) Information To Be Verified for the 2021-2022 Award Year, 55003-55007 [2020-19501]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 172 / Thursday, September 3, 2020 / Notices
Dated: August 31, 2020.
Kate Mullan,
PRA Coordinator, Strategic Collections and
Clearance Governance and Strategy Division,
Office of Chief Data Officer, Office of
Planning, Evaluation and Policy
Development.
[FR Doc. 2020–19474 Filed 9–2–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA®) Information To Be
Verified for the 2021–2022 Award Year
Office of Postsecondary
Education, Department of Education.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
Notice.
For each award year, the
Secretary publishes in the Federal
Register a notice announcing the
FAFSA information that an institution
and an applicant may be required to
verify, as well as the acceptable
documentation for verifying FAFSA
information. This is the notice for the
SUMMARY:
2021–2022 award year, CFDA numbers
84.007, 84.033, 84.063, and 84.268.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jacquelyn C. Butler, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW,
Room 294–10, Washington, DC 20202.
Telephone: (202) 453–6088. Email:
Jacquelyn.Butler@ed.gov.
If you use a telecommunications
device for the deaf (TDD) or a text
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay
Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–877–
8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: If the
Secretary selects an applicant for
verification, the applicant’s Institutional
Student Information Record (ISIR)
includes flags that indicate (1) that the
applicant has been selected by the
Secretary for verification and (2) the
Verification Tracking Group in which
the applicant has been placed. The
Verification Tracking Group indicates
which FAFSA information needs to be
verified for the applicant and, if
appropriate, for the applicant’s parent(s)
or spouse. The Student Aid Report
(SAR) provided to the applicant will
indicate that the applicant’s FAFSA
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FAFSA Information
55003
information has been selected for
verification and direct the applicant to
contact the institution for further
instructions for completing the
verification process.
For the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021
award years, the Secretary has issued
and continue to issue guidance that
provide flexibilities to the verification
regulations to help institutions and
applicants deal with the challenges
resulting from the novel coronavirus
disease (COVID–19) pandemic. The
Secretary will extend the effective
period of its guidance to include the
2021–2022 award year if circumstances
warrant an extension and will inform
the public of such an extension at the
appropriate time.
The following chart lists, for the
2021–2022 award year, the FAFSA
information that an institution and an
applicant and, if appropriate, the
applicant’s parent(s) or spouse may be
required to verify under 34 CFR 668.56.
The chart also lists the acceptable
documentation that must, under
§ 668.57, be provided to an institution
for that information to be verified.
Acceptable documentation
Income information for tax filers:
a. Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
b. U.S. Income Tax Paid
c. Untaxed Portions of IRA Distributions
and Pensions
d. IRA Deductions and Payments
e. Tax Exempt Interest Income
f. Education Credits
(1) 2019 tax account information of the tax filer that the Secretary has identified as having
been obtained from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) through the IRS Data Retrieval Tool
and that has not been changed after the information was obtained from the IRS;
(2) A transcript 1 obtained at no cost from the IRS or other relevant tax authority of a U.S. territory (Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands) or commonwealth (Puerto Rico and
the Northern Mariana Islands), or a foreign government that lists 2019 tax account information of the tax filer; or
(3) A copy of the income tax return 1 and the applicable schedules 1 that were filed with the
IRS or other relevant tax authority of a U.S. territory, or a foreign government that lists 2019
tax account information of the tax filer.
Income information for tax filers with special circumstances:
a. Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
b. U.S. Income Tax Paid
c. Untaxed Portions of IRA Distributions
and Pensions
d. IRA Deductions and Payments
e. Tax Exempt Interest Income
f. Education Credits
(1) For a student, or the parent(s) of a dependent student, who filed a 2019 joint income tax
return and whose income is used in the calculation of the applicant’s expected family contribution and who at the time the FAFSA was completed was separated, divorced, widowed,
or married to someone other than the individual included on the 2019 joint income tax return—
(a) A transcript obtained from the IRS orother relevant tax authority thatlists 2019 tax account information ofthe tax filer(s); or
(b) A copy of the income tax return and the applicable schedules that were filed with the
IRS or other relevant tax authority that lists 2019 tax account information of the tax
filer(s); and
(c) A copy of IRS Form W–2 2 for each source of 2019 employment income received or
an equivalent document.2
(2) For an individual who is required to file a 2019 IRS income tax return and has been granted a filing extension by the IRS beyond the automatic six-month extension for tax year
2019—
(a) A copy of the IRS’s approval of an extension beyond the automatic six-month extension for tax year 2019 3;
(b) Verification of nonfiling 4 from the IRS dated on or after October 1, 2020;
(c) A copy of IRS Form W–2 2 for each source of 2019 employment income received or
an equivalent document 2; and
(d) If self-employed, a signed statement certifying the amount of AGI and U.S. income tax
paid for tax year 2019.
Note: An institution may require that, after the income tax return is filed, an individual granted
a filing extension beyond the automatic six-month extension submit tax information using the
IRS Data Retrieval Tool, by obtaining a transcript from the IRS, or by submitting a copy of
the income tax return and the applicable schedules that were filed with the IRS that lists
2019 tax account information. When an institution receives such information, it must be used
to reverify the income and tax information reported on the FAFSA.
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 172 / Thursday, September 3, 2020 / Notices
FAFSA Information
Acceptable documentation
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(3) For an individual who was the victim of IRS tax-related identity theft—
(a) A Tax Return DataBase View (TRDBV) transcript 1 obtained from the IRS; and
(b) A statement signed and dated by the tax filer indicating that he or she was a victim of
IRS tax-related identity theft and that the IRS has been made aware of the tax-related
identity theft.
Note: Tax filers may inform the IRS of the tax-related identity theft and obtain a TRDBV transcript by calling the IRS’s Identity Protection Specialized Unit (IPSU) at 1–800–908–4490.
Unless the institution has reason to suspect the authenticity of the TRDBV transcript provided by the IRS, a signature or stamp or any other validation from the IRS is not needed.
(4) For an individual who filed an amended income tax return with the IRS, a signed copy of
the IRS Form 1040X that was filed with the IRS for tax year 2019 or documentation from the
IRS that include the change(s) made to the tax filer’s 2019 tax information, in addition to
one of the following—
(a) IRS Data Retrieval Tool information on an ISIR record with all tax information from the
original 2019 income tax return;
(b) A transcript obtained from the IRS that lists 2019 tax account information of the tax
filer(s); or
(c) A signed copy of the 2019 IRS Form 1040 and the applicable schedules that were
filed with the IRS.
Income information for nontax filers:
Income earned from work
For an individual who has not filed and, under IRS or other relevant tax authority rules (e.g.,
the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, a U.S. territory or commonwealth or a foreign government), is not required to file a
2019 income tax return—
(1) A signed statement certifying—
(a) That the individual has not filed and is not required to file a 2019 income tax return;
and
(b) The sources of 2019 income earned from work and the amount of income from each
source;
(2) A copy of IRS Form W–2 2 for each source of 2019 employment income received or an
equivalent document 2; and
(3) Except for dependent students, verification of nonfiling 4 from the IRS or other relevant tax
authority dated on or after October 1, 2020.
Number of Household Members ........................
A statement signed by the applicant and, if the applicant is a dependent student, by one of the
applicant’s parents, that lists the name and age of each household member for the 2021–
2022 award year and the relationship of that household member to the applicant.
Note: Verification of number of household members is not required if—
• For a dependent student, the household size indicated on the ISIR is two and the parent is single, separated, divorced, or widowed, or the household size indicated on the
ISIR is three if the parents are married or unmarried and living together; or
• For an independent student, the household size indicated on the ISIR is one and the
applicant is single, separated, divorced, or widowed, or the household size indicated on
the ISIR is two if the applicant is married.
Number in College ..............................................
(1) A statement signed by the applicant and, if the applicant is a dependent student, by one of
the applicant’s parents listing the name and age of each household member, excluding the
parents, who is or will be attending an eligible postsecondary educational institution as at
least a half-time student in the 2021–2022 award year in a program that leads to a degree
or certificate and the name of that educational institution.
(2) If an institution has reason to believe that the signed statement provided by the applicant
regarding the number of household members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions
is inaccurate, the institution must obtain documentation from each institution named by the
applicant that the household member in question is, or will be, attending on at least a halftime basis unless—
(a) The applicant’s institution determines that such documentation is not available because the household member in question has not yet registered at the institution the
household member plans to attend; or
(b) The institution has documentation indicating that the household member in question
will be attending the same institution as the applicant.
Note: Verification of the number of household members in college is not required if the number in college indicated on the ISIR is ‘‘1.’’
High School Completion Status ..........................
The applicant’s high school completion status when the applicant attends the institution in
2021–2022.
(1) High School Diploma
(a) A copy of the applicant’s high school diploma;
(b) A copy of the applicant’s final official high school transcript that shows the date when
the diploma was awarded; or
(c) A copy of the ‘‘secondary school leaving certificate’’ (or other similar document) for
students who completed secondary education in a foreign country and are unable to obtain a copy of their high school diploma or transcript.
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Acceptable documentation
Note: Institutions that have the expertise may evaluate foreign secondary school credentials to
determine their equivalence to U.S. high school diplomas. Institutions may also use a foreign diploma evaluation service for this purpose.
(2) Recognized Equivalent of a High School Diploma
(a) General Educational Development (GED) Certificate or GED transcript;
(b) A State certificate or transcript received by a student after the student has passed a
State-authorized examination (HiSET, TASC, or other State-authorized examination)
that the State recognizes as the equivalent of a high school diploma;
(c) An academic transcript that indicates the student successfully completed at least a
two-year program that is acceptable for full credit toward a bachelor’s degree at any
participating institution; or
(d) For a person who is seeking enrollment in an educational program that leads to at
least an associate degree or its equivalent and who excelled academically in high
school but did not complete high school, documentation from the high school that the
student excelled academically and documentation from the postsecondary institution
that the student has met its written policies for admitting such students.
(3) Homeschool
(a) If the State where the student was homeschooled requires by law that such students
obtain a secondary school completion credential for homeschool (other than a high
school diploma or its recognized equivalent), a copy of that credential; or
(b) If such State law does not require the credential noted in 3(a), a transcript or the
equivalent signed by the student’s parent or guardian that lists the secondary school
courses the student completed and documents the successful completion of a secondary school education in a homeschool setting.
Note: In cases where documentation of an applicant’s completion of a secondary school education is unavailable, e.g., the secondary school is closed and information is not available
from another source, such as the local school district or a State Department of Education, or
in the case of homeschooling, the parent(s)/guardian(s) who provided the homeschooling is
deceased, an institution may accept alternative documentation to verify the applicant’s high
school completion status (e.g., DD Form 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty that indicates the individual is a high school graduate or equivalent).
When documenting an applicant’s high school completion status, an institution may rely on
documentation it has already collected for purposes other than the title IV verification requirements (e.g., high school transcripts maintained in the admissions office) if the documentation meets the criteria outlined above.
Verification of high school completion status is not required if the institution successfully
verified and documented the applicant’s high school completion status for a prior award
year.
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Identity/Statement of Educational Purpose ........
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(1) An applicant must appear in person and present the following documentation to an institutionally authorized individual to verify the applicant’s identity:
(a) An unexpired valid government-issued photo identification 5 such as, but not limited to,
a driver’s license, non-driver’s identification card, other State-issued identification, or
U.S. passport. The institution must maintain an annotated copy of the unexpired valid
government-issued photo identification that includes—
i. The date the identification was presented; and
ii. The name of the institutionally authorized individual who reviewed the identification;
and
(b) A signed statement using the exact language as follows, except that the student’s
identification number is optional if collected elsewhere on the same page as the statement:
Statement of Educational Purpose
I certify that I llllllllllam
(Print Student’s Name)
the individual signing this Statement of Educational Purpose and that the Federal student financial assistance I may receive will only be used for educational purposes and to pay the
cost of attending llllllllllfor 2021–2022.
(Name of Postsecondary Educational Institution)
llllllllllllllllll llllll
(Student’s Signature)
(Date)
llllllllll
(Student’s ID Number)
(2) If an institution determines that an applicant is unable to appear in person to present an
unexpired valid government-issued photo identification and execute the Statement of Educational Purpose, the applicant must provide the institution with—
(a) A copy of an unexpired valid government-issued photo identification 5 such as, but not
limited to, a driver’s license, non-driver’s identification card, other State-issued identification, or U.S. passport that is acknowledged in a notary statement or that is presented to a notary; and
(b) An original notarized statement signed by the applicant using the exact language as
follows, except that the student’s identification number is optional if collected elsewhere
on the same page as the statement:
Statement of Educational Purpose
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 172 / Thursday, September 3, 2020 / Notices
FAFSA Information
Acceptable documentation
I certify that I llllllllllam
(Print Student’s Name)
the individual signing this Statement of Educational Purpose and that the Federal student financial assistance I may receive will only be used for educational purposes and to pay the
cost of attending llllllllllfor 2021–2022.
(Name of Postsecondary Educational Institution)
llllllllllllllllll llllll
(Student’s Signature)
(Date)
llllllllll
(Student’s ID Number)
1 This footnote applies, where applicable, whenever an income tax return, the applicable schedules, or transcript is mentioned in the above
chart.
The copy of the 2019 income tax return must include the signature of the tax filer, or one of the filers of a joint income tax return, or the
signed, stamped, typed, or printed name and address of the preparer of the income tax return and the preparer’s Social Security Number, Employer Identification Number, or Preparer Tax Identification Number.
For a tax filer who filed an income tax return other than an IRS form, such as a foreign or Puerto Rican tax form, the institution must use the
income information (converted to U.S. dollars) from the lines of that form that correspond most closely to the income information reported on a
U.S. income tax return.
An individual who did not retain a copy of his or her 2019 tax account information, and for whom that information cannot be located by the IRS
or other relevant tax authority, must submit to the institution—
(a) Copies of all IRS Form W–2s for each source of 2019 employment income or equivalent documents; or
(b) If the individual is self-employed or filed an income tax return with a government of a U.S. territory or commonwealth or a foreign government, a signed statement certifying the amount of AGI and income taxes paid for tax year 2019; and
(c) Documentation from the IRS or other relevant tax authority that indicates the individual’s 2019 tax account information cannot be located;
and
(d) A signed statement that indicates that the individual did not retain a copy of his or her 2019 tax account information.
If an individual who was the victim of IRS tax-related identity theft is unable to obtain a TRDBV, the institution may accept an equivalent document provided by the IRS or a copy of the signed 2019 income tax return the individual filed with the IRS.
2 An individual who is required to submit an IRS Form W–2 or an equivalent document but did not maintain a copy should request a duplicate
from the employer who issued the original or from the government agency that issued the equivalent document. If the individual is unable to obtain a duplicate W–2 or an equivalent document in a timely manner, the institution may permit that individual to provide a signed statement, in
accordance with 34 CFR 668.57(a)(6), that includes—
(a) The amount of income earned from work;
(b) The source of that income; and
(c) The reason why the IRS Form W–2, or an equivalent document, is not available in a timely manner.
3 For an individual who was called up for active duty or for qualifying National Guard duty during a war or other military operation or national
emergency, an institution must accept a statement from the individual certifying that he or she has not filed an income tax return or a request for
a filing extension because of that service.≤
4 If an individual is unable to obtain verification of nonfiling from the IRS or other relevant tax authority and, based upon the institution’s determination, it has no reason to question the student’s or family’s good-faith effort to obtain the required documentation, the institution may accept a
signed statement certifying that the individual attempted to obtain the verification of nonfiling from the IRS or other relevant tax authority and was
unable to obtain the required documentation.
For IRS extension filers, the signed statement must also indicate that the individual has not filed a 2019 income tax return and list the sources
of any 2019 income, and the amount of income from each source.
Since individuals without a Social Security Number, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or an Employer Identification Number are
unable to obtain a verification of nonfiling from the IRS, these individuals whose income is below the IRS filing threshold must submit to the institution a signed and dated statement—
(a) Certifying that the individual(s) does not have a Social Security Number, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or an Employer
Identification Number; and
(b) Listing the sources and amounts of earnings, other income, and resources that supported the individual(s) for the 2019 tax year.
5 An unexpired valid government-issued photo identification is one issued by the U.S. government, any of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribe, American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau.
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Verification Requirements for
Individuals Who Are Eligible for an
Auto Zero Expected Family
Contribution (EFC)
Only the following FAFSA/ISIR
information must be verified:
For dependent students—
• The parents’ AGI if the parents were
tax filers;
• The parents’ income earned from
work if the parents were nontax filers;
and
• The student’s high school
completion status and identity/
statement of educational purpose, if
selected.
For independent students—
• The student’s and spouse’s AGI if
they were tax filers;
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• The student’s and spouse’s income
earned from work if they were nontax
filers;
• The student’s high school
completion status and identity/
statement of educational purpose, if
selected; and
• The number of household members
to determine if the independent student
has one or more dependents other than
a spouse.
Note: Verification of nonfiling 4 from the
IRS (or other relevant tax authority, if
applicable) dated on or after October 1, 2020,
must be provided for (1) independent
students (and spouses, if applicable) and
parents of dependent students who did not
file and are not required to file a 2019 income
tax return, and (2) individuals who are
required to file a 2019 IRS income tax return
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but have not filed because they have been
granted a tax filing extension by the IRS
beyond the automatic six-month extension
for the 2019 tax year.
Other Sources for Detailed Information
We provide a more detailed
discussion on the verification process in
the following resources:
• 2021–2022 Application and
Verification Guide.
• 2021–2022 ISIR Guide.
• 2021–2022 SAR Comment Codes
and Text.
• 2021–2022 COD Technical
Reference.
• Program Integrity Information—
Questions and Answers on Verification
at https://www2.ed.gov/policy/highered/
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 172 / Thursday, September 3, 2020 / Notices
reg/hearulemaking/2009/
verification.html.
These publications are on the
Information for Financial Aid
Professionals website at
www.ifap.ed.gov.
Accessible Format: Individuals with
disabilities can obtain this document in
an accessible format (e.g., braille, large
print, audiotape, or compact disc) on
request to the contact person listed
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT.
Electronic Access to This Document:
The official version of this document is
the document published in the Federal
Register. You may access the official
edition of the Federal Register and the
Code of Federal Regulations at
www.govinfo.gov. At this site you can
view this document, as well as all other
documents of this Department
published in the Federal Register, in
text or Portable Document Format
(PDF). To use PDF you must have
Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is
available free at the site.
You may also access documents of the
Department published in the Federal
Register by using the article search
feature at: www.federalregister.gov.
Specifically, through the advanced
search feature at this site, you can limit
your search to documents published by
the Department.
Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1070a,
1070b–1070b–4, 1087a–1087j, and 42 U.S.C.
2751–2756b.
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
[Docket No. AD20–25–000]
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Electronic Document Management
System (eLibrary) Enhancements;
Notice Announcing Release of
Modernized Elibrary System
The Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (Commission), hereby gives
notice announcing upcoming
enhancements to its Electronic
Document Management System
(eLibrary), that will be available the
week of August 31. These enhancements
have been undergoing further
refinement since the Commission issued
its notice announcing the release of its
modernized eLibrary system on July 31,
2020. The Commission plans to upgrade
Jkt 250001
[FR Doc. 2020–19485 Filed 9–2–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
Riverstart Solar Park LLC;
Supplemental Notice That Initial
Market-Based Rate Filing Includes
Request for Blanket Section 204
Authorization
[FR Doc. 2020–19501 Filed 9–2–20; 8:45 am]
16:51 Sep 02, 2020
Dated: August 28, 2020.
Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.,
Deputy Secretary.
[Docket No. ER20–2746–000]
Robert L. King,
Assistant Secretary for the Office of
Postsecondary Education.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
its existing system with newer, more
robust and user-friendly technology.
Ultimately, the new system will provide
users with an improved user interface,
more reliable search capabilities and
greater system stability.
This version includes, but is not
limited to the following enhancements:
• A modern look and feel to the
eLibrary site
• Improved navigation and
consolidated search screens
• Removal of redundant features
• Improved search accuracy and
relevance
• On-Demand PDF generation for files
in an accession
• Multiple file zip and download from
the search results
• Improved reliability
Please see https://www.ferc.gov/ for
additional details on FERC’s
modernized eLibrary system, including
additional information on file formats,
text searchable versus image formats,
file names, security, et al.
This is a supplemental notice in the
above-referenced Riverstart Solar Park
LLC’s application for market-based rate
authority, with an accompanying rate
tariff, noting that such application
includes a request for blanket
authorization, under 18 CFR part 34, of
future issuances of securities and
assumptions of liability.
Any person desiring to intervene or to
protest should file with the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission, 888
First Street NE, Washington, DC 20426,
in accordance with Rules 211 and 214
of the Commission’s Rules of Practice
and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211 and
385.214). Anyone filing a motion to
intervene or protest must serve a copy
of that document on the Applicant.
Notice is hereby given that the
deadline for filing protests with regard
to the applicant’s request for blanket
authorization, under 18 CFR part 34, of
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55007
future issuances of securities and
assumptions of liability, is September
17, 2020.
The Commission encourages
electronic submission of protests and
interventions in lieu of paper, using the
FERC Online links at https://
www.ferc.gov. To facilitate electronic
service, persons with internet access
who will eFile a document and/or be
listed as a contact for an intervenor
must create and validate an
eRegistration account using the
eRegistration link. Select the eFiling
link to log on and submit the
intervention or protests.
Persons unable to file electronically
may mail similar pleadings to the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission,
888 First Street NE, Washington, DC
20426. Hand delivered submissions in
docketed proceedings should be
delivered to Health and Human
Services, 12225 Wilkins Avenue,
Rockville, Maryland 20852.
In addition to publishing the full text
of this document in the Federal
Register, the Commission provides all
interested persons an opportunity to
view and/or print the contents of this
document via the internet through the
Commission’s Home Page (https://
ferc.gov) using the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link.
Enter the docket number excluding the
last three digits in the docket number
field to access the document. At this
time, the Commission has suspended
access to the Commission’s Public
Reference Room, due to the
proclamation declaring a National
Emergency concerning the Novel
Coronavirus Disease (COVID–19), issued
by the President on March 13, 2020. For
assistance, contact the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission at
FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or call
toll-free, (886) 208–3676 or TYY, (202)
502–8659.
Dated: August 28, 2020.
Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2020–19488 Filed 9–2–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
Combined Notice of Filings
Take notice that the Commission has
received the following Natural Gas
Pipeline Rate and Refund Report filings:
Docket Numbers: RP20–1120–000.
Applicants: Natural Gas Pipeline
Company of America.
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 172 (Thursday, September 3, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55003-55007]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-19501]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA[supreg])
Information To Be Verified for the 2021-2022 Award Year
AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: For each award year, the Secretary publishes in the Federal
Register a notice announcing the FAFSA information that an institution
and an applicant may be required to verify, as well as the acceptable
documentation for verifying FAFSA information. This is the notice for
the 2021-2022 award year, CFDA numbers 84.007, 84.033, 84.063, and
84.268.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jacquelyn C. Butler, U.S. Department
of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 294-10, Washington, DC
20202. Telephone: (202) 453-6088. Email: [email protected].
If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-
800-877-8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: If the Secretary selects an applicant for
verification, the applicant's Institutional Student Information Record
(ISIR) includes flags that indicate (1) that the applicant has been
selected by the Secretary for verification and (2) the Verification
Tracking Group in which the applicant has been placed. The Verification
Tracking Group indicates which FAFSA information needs to be verified
for the applicant and, if appropriate, for the applicant's parent(s) or
spouse. The Student Aid Report (SAR) provided to the applicant will
indicate that the applicant's FAFSA information has been selected for
verification and direct the applicant to contact the institution for
further instructions for completing the verification process.
For the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 award years, the Secretary has
issued and continue to issue guidance that provide flexibilities to the
verification regulations to help institutions and applicants deal with
the challenges resulting from the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
pandemic. The Secretary will extend the effective period of its
guidance to include the 2021-2022 award year if circumstances warrant
an extension and will inform the public of such an extension at the
appropriate time.
The following chart lists, for the 2021-2022 award year, the FAFSA
information that an institution and an applicant and, if appropriate,
the applicant's parent(s) or spouse may be required to verify under 34
CFR 668.56. The chart also lists the acceptable documentation that
must, under Sec. 668.57, be provided to an institution for that
information to be verified.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FAFSA Information Acceptable documentation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income information for tax (1) 2019 tax account information of the
filers: tax filer that the Secretary has
a. Adjusted Gross Income identified as having been obtained from
(AGI) the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
b. U.S. Income Tax Paid through the IRS Data Retrieval Tool and
c. Untaxed Portions of IRA that has not been changed after the
Distributions and Pensions information was obtained from the IRS;
d. IRA Deductions and (2) A transcript \1\ obtained at no cost
Payments from the IRS or other relevant tax
e. Tax Exempt Interest Income authority of a U.S. territory (Guam,
f. Education Credits American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands)
or commonwealth (Puerto Rico and the
Northern Mariana Islands), or a foreign
government that lists 2019 tax account
information of the tax filer; or
(3) A copy of the income tax return \1\
and the applicable schedules \1\ that
were filed with the IRS or other
relevant tax authority of a U.S.
territory, or a foreign government that
lists 2019 tax account information of
the tax filer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income information for tax (1) For a student, or the parent(s) of a
filers with special dependent student, who filed a 2019
circumstances: joint income tax return and whose income
a. Adjusted Gross Income is used in the calculation of the
(AGI) applicant's expected family contribution
b. U.S. Income Tax Paid and who at the time the FAFSA was
c. Untaxed Portions of IRA completed was separated, divorced,
Distributions and Pensions widowed, or married to someone other
d. IRA Deductions and than the individual included on the 2019
Payments joint income tax return--
e. Tax Exempt Interest Income (a) A transcript obtained from the IRS
f. Education Credits orother relevant tax authority thatlists
2019 tax account information ofthe tax
filer(s); or
(b) A copy of the income tax return and
the applicable schedules that were filed
with the IRS or other relevant tax
authority that lists 2019 tax account
information of the tax filer(s); and
(c) A copy of IRS Form W-2 \2\ for each
source of 2019 employment income
received or an equivalent document.\2\
(2) For an individual who is required to
file a 2019 IRS income tax return and
has been granted a filing extension by
the IRS beyond the automatic six-month
extension for tax year 2019--
(a) A copy of the IRS's approval of an
extension beyond the automatic six-month
extension for tax year 2019 \3\;
(b) Verification of nonfiling \4\ from
the IRS dated on or after October 1,
2020;
(c) A copy of IRS Form W-2 \2\ for each
source of 2019 employment income
received or an equivalent document \2\;
and
(d) If self-employed, a signed statement
certifying the amount of AGI and U.S.
income tax paid for tax year 2019.
Note: An institution may require that,
after the income tax return is filed, an
individual granted a filing extension
beyond the automatic six-month extension
submit tax information using the IRS
Data Retrieval Tool, by obtaining a
transcript from the IRS, or by
submitting a copy of the income tax
return and the applicable schedules that
were filed with the IRS that lists 2019
tax account information. When an
institution receives such information,
it must be used to reverify the income
and tax information reported on the
FAFSA.
[[Page 55004]]
(3) For an individual who was the victim
of IRS tax-related identity theft--
(a) A Tax Return DataBase View (TRDBV)
transcript \1\ obtained from the IRS;
and
(b) A statement signed and dated by the
tax filer indicating that he or she was
a victim of IRS tax-related identity
theft and that the IRS has been made
aware of the tax-related identity theft.
Note: Tax filers may inform the IRS of
the tax-related identity theft and
obtain a TRDBV transcript by calling the
IRS's Identity Protection Specialized
Unit (IPSU) at 1-800-908-4490. Unless
the institution has reason to suspect
the authenticity of the TRDBV transcript
provided by the IRS, a signature or
stamp or any other validation from the
IRS is not needed.
(4) For an individual who filed an
amended income tax return with the IRS,
a signed copy of the IRS Form 1040X that
was filed with the IRS for tax year 2019
or documentation from the IRS that
include the change(s) made to the tax
filer's 2019 tax information, in
addition to one of the following--
(a) IRS Data Retrieval Tool information
on an ISIR record with all tax
information from the original 2019
income tax return;
(b) A transcript obtained from the IRS
that lists 2019 tax account information
of the tax filer(s); or
(c) A signed copy of the 2019 IRS Form
1040 and the applicable schedules that
were filed with the IRS.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income information for nontax For an individual who has not filed and,
filers: under IRS or other relevant tax
Income earned from work authority rules (e.g., the Republic of
the Marshall Islands, the Republic of
Palau, the Federated States of
Micronesia, a U.S. territory or
commonwealth or a foreign government),
is not required to file a 2019 income
tax return--
(1) A signed statement certifying--
(a) That the individual has not filed and
is not required to file a 2019 income
tax return; and
(b) The sources of 2019 income earned
from work and the amount of income from
each source;
(2) A copy of IRS Form W-2 \2\ for each
source of 2019 employment income
received or an equivalent document \2\;
and
(3) Except for dependent students,
verification of nonfiling \4\ from the
IRS or other relevant tax authority
dated on or after October 1, 2020.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of Household Members.. A statement signed by the applicant and,
if the applicant is a dependent student,
by one of the applicant's parents, that
lists the name and age of each household
member for the 2021-2022 award year and
the relationship of that household
member to the applicant.
Note: Verification of number of household
members is not required if--
For a dependent student, the
household size indicated on the ISIR is
two and the parent is single, separated,
divorced, or widowed, or the household
size indicated on the ISIR is three if
the parents are married or unmarried and
living together; or
For an independent student, the
household size indicated on the ISIR is
one and the applicant is single,
separated, divorced, or widowed, or the
household size indicated on the ISIR is
two if the applicant is married.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number in College............ (1) A statement signed by the applicant
and, if the applicant is a dependent
student, by one of the applicant's
parents listing the name and age of each
household member, excluding the parents,
who is or will be attending an eligible
postsecondary educational institution as
at least a half-time student in the 2021-
2022 award year in a program that leads
to a degree or certificate and the name
of that educational institution.
(2) If an institution has reason to
believe that the signed statement
provided by the applicant regarding the
number of household members enrolled in
eligible postsecondary institutions is
inaccurate, the institution must obtain
documentation from each institution
named by the applicant that the
household member in question is, or will
be, attending on at least a half-time
basis unless--
(a) The applicant's institution
determines that such documentation is
not available because the household
member in question has not yet
registered at the institution the
household member plans to attend; or
(b) The institution has documentation
indicating that the household member in
question will be attending the same
institution as the applicant.
Note: Verification of the number of
household members in college is not
required if the number in college
indicated on the ISIR is ``1.''
------------------------------------------------------------------------
High School Completion Status The applicant's high school completion
status when the applicant attends the
institution in 2021-2022.
(1) High School Diploma
(a) A copy of the applicant's high school
diploma;
(b) A copy of the applicant's final
official high school transcript that
shows the date when the diploma was
awarded; or
(c) A copy of the ``secondary school
leaving certificate'' (or other similar
document) for students who completed
secondary education in a foreign country
and are unable to obtain a copy of their
high school diploma or transcript.
[[Page 55005]]
Note: Institutions that have the
expertise may evaluate foreign secondary
school credentials to determine their
equivalence to U.S. high school
diplomas. Institutions may also use a
foreign diploma evaluation service for
this purpose.
(2) Recognized Equivalent of a High
School Diploma
(a) General Educational Development (GED)
Certificate or GED transcript;
(b) A State certificate or transcript
received by a student after the student
has passed a State-authorized
examination (HiSET, TASC, or other State-
authorized examination) that the State
recognizes as the equivalent of a high
school diploma;
(c) An academic transcript that indicates
the student successfully completed at
least a two-year program that is
acceptable for full credit toward a
bachelor's degree at any participating
institution; or
(d) For a person who is seeking
enrollment in an educational program
that leads to at least an associate
degree or its equivalent and who
excelled academically in high school but
did not complete high school,
documentation from the high school that
the student excelled academically and
documentation from the postsecondary
institution that the student has met its
written policies for admitting such
students.
(3) Homeschool
(a) If the State where the student was
homeschooled requires by law that such
students obtain a secondary school
completion credential for homeschool
(other than a high school diploma or its
recognized equivalent), a copy of that
credential; or
(b) If such State law does not require
the credential noted in 3(a), a
transcript or the equivalent signed by
the student's parent or guardian that
lists the secondary school courses the
student completed and documents the
successful completion of a secondary
school education in a homeschool
setting.
Note: In cases where documentation of an
applicant's completion of a secondary
school education is unavailable, e.g.,
the secondary school is closed and
information is not available from
another source, such as the local school
district or a State Department of
Education, or in the case of
homeschooling, the parent(s)/guardian(s)
who provided the homeschooling is
deceased, an institution may accept
alternative documentation to verify the
applicant's high school completion
status (e.g., DD Form 214 Certificate of
Release or Discharge From Active Duty
that indicates the individual is a high
school graduate or equivalent).
When documenting an applicant's high
school completion status, an institution
may rely on documentation it has already
collected for purposes other than the
title IV verification requirements
(e.g., high school transcripts
maintained in the admissions office) if
the documentation meets the criteria
outlined above.
Verification of high school completion
status is not required if the
institution successfully verified and
documented the applicant's high school
completion status for a prior award
year.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Identity/Statement of (1) An applicant must appear in person
Educational Purpose. and present the following documentation
to an institutionally authorized
individual to verify the applicant's
identity:
(a) An unexpired valid government-issued
photo identification \5\ such as, but
not limited to, a driver's license, non-
driver's identification card, other
State-issued identification, or U.S.
passport. The institution must maintain
an annotated copy of the unexpired valid
government-issued photo identification
that includes--
i. The date the identification was
presented; and
ii. The name of the institutionally
authorized individual who reviewed the
identification; and
(b) A signed statement using the exact
language as follows, except that the
student's identification number is
optional if collected elsewhere on the
same page as the statement:
Statement of Educational Purpose
I certify that I __________am
(Print Student's Name)
the individual signing this Statement of
Educational Purpose and that the Federal
student financial assistance I may
receive will only be used for
educational purposes and to pay the cost
of attending __________for 2021-2022.
(Name of Postsecondary Educational
Institution)
__________________ ______
(Student's Signature) (Date)
__________
(Student's ID Number)
(2) If an institution determines that an
applicant is unable to appear in person
to present an unexpired valid government-
issued photo identification and execute
the Statement of Educational Purpose,
the applicant must provide the
institution with--
(a) A copy of an unexpired valid
government-issued photo identification
\5\ such as, but not limited to, a
driver's license, non-driver's
identification card, other State-issued
identification, or U.S. passport that is
acknowledged in a notary statement or
that is presented to a notary; and
(b) An original notarized statement
signed by the applicant using the exact
language as follows, except that the
student's identification number is
optional if collected elsewhere on the
same page as the statement:
Statement of Educational Purpose
[[Page 55006]]
I certify that I __________am
(Print Student's Name)
the individual signing this Statement of
Educational Purpose and that the Federal
student financial assistance I may
receive will only be used for
educational purposes and to pay the cost
of attending __________for 2021-2022.
(Name of Postsecondary Educational
Institution)
__________________ ______
(Student's Signature) (Date)
__________
(Student's ID Number)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ This footnote applies, where applicable, whenever an income tax
return, the applicable schedules, or transcript is mentioned in the
above chart.
The copy of the 2019 income tax return must include the signature of the
tax filer, or one of the filers of a joint income tax return, or the
signed, stamped, typed, or printed name and address of the preparer of
the income tax return and the preparer's Social Security Number,
Employer Identification Number, or Preparer Tax Identification Number.
For a tax filer who filed an income tax return other than an IRS form,
such as a foreign or Puerto Rican tax form, the institution must use
the income information (converted to U.S. dollars) from the lines of
that form that correspond most closely to the income information
reported on a U.S. income tax return.
An individual who did not retain a copy of his or her 2019 tax account
information, and for whom that information cannot be located by the
IRS or other relevant tax authority, must submit to the institution--
(a) Copies of all IRS Form W-2s for each source of 2019 employment
income or equivalent documents; or
(b) If the individual is self-employed or filed an income tax return
with a government of a U.S. territory or commonwealth or a foreign
government, a signed statement certifying the amount of AGI and income
taxes paid for tax year 2019; and
(c) Documentation from the IRS or other relevant tax authority that
indicates the individual's 2019 tax account information cannot be
located; and
(d) A signed statement that indicates that the individual did not retain
a copy of his or her 2019 tax account information.
If an individual who was the victim of IRS tax-related identity theft is
unable to obtain a TRDBV, the institution may accept an equivalent
document provided by the IRS or a copy of the signed 2019 income tax
return the individual filed with the IRS.
\2\ An individual who is required to submit an IRS Form W-2 or an
equivalent document but did not maintain a copy should request a
duplicate from the employer who issued the original or from the
government agency that issued the equivalent document. If the
individual is unable to obtain a duplicate W-2 or an equivalent
document in a timely manner, the institution may permit that
individual to provide a signed statement, in accordance with 34 CFR
668.57(a)(6), that includes--
(a) The amount of income earned from work;
(b) The source of that income; and
(c) The reason why the IRS Form W-2, or an equivalent document, is not
available in a timely manner.
\3\ For an individual who was called up for active duty or for
qualifying National Guard duty during a war or other military
operation or national emergency, an institution must accept a
statement from the individual certifying that he or she has not filed
an income tax return or a request for a filing extension because of
that service.>
\4\ If an individual is unable to obtain verification of nonfiling from
the IRS or other relevant tax authority and, based upon the
institution's determination, it has no reason to question the
student's or family's good-faith effort to obtain the required
documentation, the institution may accept a signed statement
certifying that the individual attempted to obtain the verification of
nonfiling from the IRS or other relevant tax authority and was unable
to obtain the required documentation.
For IRS extension filers, the signed statement must also indicate that
the individual has not filed a 2019 income tax return and list the
sources of any 2019 income, and the amount of income from each source.
Since individuals without a Social Security Number, an Individual
Taxpayer Identification Number, or an Employer Identification Number
are unable to obtain a verification of nonfiling from the IRS, these
individuals whose income is below the IRS filing threshold must submit
to the institution a signed and dated statement--
(a) Certifying that the individual(s) does not have a Social Security
Number, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or an Employer
Identification Number; and
(b) Listing the sources and amounts of earnings, other income, and
resources that supported the individual(s) for the 2019 tax year.
\5\ An unexpired valid government-issued photo identification is one
issued by the U.S. government, any of the 50 States, the District of
Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a federally recognized
American Indian and Alaska Native Tribe, American Samoa, Guam, the
Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the
Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia,
or the Republic of Palau.
Verification Requirements for Individuals Who Are Eligible for an Auto
Zero Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
Only the following FAFSA/ISIR information must be verified:
For dependent students--
The parents' AGI if the parents were tax filers;
The parents' income earned from work if the parents were
nontax filers; and
The student's high school completion status and identity/
statement of educational purpose, if selected.
For independent students--
The student's and spouse's AGI if they were tax filers;
The student's and spouse's income earned from work if they
were nontax filers;
The student's high school completion status and identity/
statement of educational purpose, if selected; and
The number of household members to determine if the
independent student has one or more dependents other than a spouse.
Note: Verification of nonfiling \4\ from the IRS (or other
relevant tax authority, if applicable) dated on or after October 1,
2020, must be provided for (1) independent students (and spouses, if
applicable) and parents of dependent students who did not file and
are not required to file a 2019 income tax return, and (2)
individuals who are required to file a 2019 IRS income tax return
but have not filed because they have been granted a tax filing
extension by the IRS beyond the automatic six-month extension for
the 2019 tax year.
Other Sources for Detailed Information
We provide a more detailed discussion on the verification process
in the following resources:
2021-2022 Application and Verification Guide.
2021-2022 ISIR Guide.
2021-2022 SAR Comment Codes and Text.
2021-2022 COD Technical Reference.
Program Integrity Information--Questions and Answers on
Verification at https://www2.ed.gov/policy/highered/
[[Page 55007]]
reg/hearulemaking/2009/verification.html.
These publications are on the Information for Financial Aid
Professionals website at www.ifap.ed.gov.
Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this
document in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print,
audiotape, or compact disc) on request to the contact person listed
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this
document is the document published in the Federal Register. You may
access the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of
Federal Regulations at www.govinfo.gov. At this site you can view this
document, as well as all other documents of this Department published
in the Federal Register, in text or Portable Document Format (PDF). To
use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at
the site.
You may also access documents of the Department published in the
Federal Register by using the article search feature at:
www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search
feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published
by the Department.
Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1070a, 1070b-1070b-4, 1087a-1087j,
and 42 U.S.C. 2751-2756b.
Robert L. King,
Assistant Secretary for the Office of Postsecondary Education.
[FR Doc. 2020-19501 Filed 9-2-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P
