Verification

Verification is how the school checks whether your FAFSA or CADAA information is accurate by comparing it with documents you submit. 

Typical documents you may need to provide:

  • Financial aid forms

  • Tax records

  • Third-party statements

  • Student or parent signed statements 

How to Complete Verification

  1. Log in to the SFSU Gateway using your SFSU credentials.
  2. In the Launchpad section, select “See All Apps.”
  3. Under the Finance & Jobs section, select “FinAid Student Forms.”
  4. If prompted, complete the account registration and personal setup questions.
  5. Forms that require your attention will appear under “Needs Action.”
  6. Select “Fill Out” to complete each form. Be sure to sign and submit the form and attach any requested supporting documents.
  7. After completing all required forms, select “Finish” to submit your documents to the Financial Aid Office.
  8. A checkmark will appear next to each completed form to confirm successful submission.

How You’ll Know If You Were Selected

  • You’ll receive an email via your institution’s email address telling you that you have verification items to complete. 
  • Check your To Do List in the financial aid section in the Gateway; any items with “Needs Action” need your attention.  

Common Reasons for Being Verified

  • Unusual tax filing status (e.g. married filing separately, amended returns) 
  • Foreign income or foreign tax returns 
  • Identity theft affecting IRS tax records 

If you are a foreign tax filer, you may also need to translate income into U.S. dollars and provide equivalent tax documents from your country. 

Required Tax Documents

Depending on the academic year and your employment status, you may need:

2026-2027 Tax Document Guide
Work Status2024 Tax Document
Employed and required to file taxes2024 Tax Return Transcript or 2024 1040 Tax Return
Employed but not required not file taxes
  • 2024 W-2 or 2024 1099 (For Independent contractors)
  • 2024 Non-Filing Letter (Only for Independent students or Parent)
Not employed and not required to file taxes2024 Non-Filing Letter (Only for Independent students or Parent)

Review Time and Tracking

  • It takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks to review your documents after they’ve been fully submitted.
  • You’ll know the process is complete when:
    • All “To Do” financial aid items disappear from your account, or
    • You receive an email confirming your financial aid award for that year. 
  • Be sure to check your school email often — a counselor may request additional documentation.