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(General) Subject: 2012-13 FAFSA Verification-IRS Tax Return Transcript Matrix

Posted Date:February 24, 2012

Author: David Bergeron, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Planning, and Innovation

Subject: 2012-13 FAFSA Verification-IRS Tax Return Transcript Matrix

In the February 3, 2012 electronic announcement that released sample2012-2013 verification worksheets, we noted that we would be developing and releasing a 2012-13 FAFSA Verification-IRS Tax Return Transcript Matrix. The matrix is provided as an attachment to this electronic announcement. The matrix will help financial aid administrators understand how to verify IRS income and tax information when an IRS Tax Return Transcript has been submitted by the student or parent. It will also clarify how the items on the IRS Tax Return Transcript relate to the items on the FAFSA and ISIR, as the transcript does not have line or item numbers and uses wording that may be different than that used on the FAFSA and ISIR for some items.

The first column of the matrix lists the seven FAFSA information items that may need to be verified for a student or parent who indicated that they did or will file a 2011 IRS tax return. The second column includes the student FAFSA question number for each item followed by the relevant parent FAFSA question number. The third column displays the student ISIR item number followed by the parent ISIR item number. ISIR numbers are from the 2012-2013 Electronic Data Exchange (EDE).

The fourth column of the matrix identifies the item name as reported on the IRS Tax Return Transcript. Note that for some items the transcript may report two or three values. This is because the IRS calculates or recalculates the amount reported by the tax filer for some items. If only one value is reported on the transcript that value must be used for verification. If more than one value is reported on the transcript, the value associated with the item name that includes the words “Per Computer” must be used for verification. The “Per Computer” line should be used for verification even if it is different than what was reported by the tax filer.

The last three columns show the corresponding line item numbers from the three 2011 IRS tax returns (IRS Form 1040, IRS Form 1040A, and IRS Form 1040EZ).

If you have any questions about the attached matrix, please contact our Research and Customer Care Center staff. Staff are available Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM (Eastern Time) at 1-800-433-7327. After hours calls will be accepted by an automated voice response system. Callers leaving their names and phone numbers will receive a return call the next business day. Alternatively, you may email the Care Center at fsa.customer.support@ed.gov.