How do I request an IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter?
Claimants often have to prove their household income before they can receive federal financial aid, which requires requesting evidence from the IRS.
To claim various forms of federal financial aid the recipient must first submit documents confirming their earnings history for the previous year. In most instances that means providing your most recent tax return filing, but not everyone is required to file taxes.
Initiatives like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) require the recipients to provide their parents’ federal income tax, so officials can judge the claimant’s household income. If they and their parents do not file taxes, they can prove this by obtaining a Verification of Non-filing Letter from the IRS.
The letter confirms that the subject has not submitted a tax return to the IRS and is often used to prove that the student in question is from a low-income household, making them eligible to receive greater amounts of federal financial support.
You can request a Verification of Non-Filing Letter, or any other type of tax transcript, in three different ways: online; mailed-in form; or with a telephone request.
How to request a Verification of Non-Filing Letter online
The easiest and quickest way to obtain your Verification of Non-Filing Letter is by logging on to you or your parents’ IRS Online Account.
Once you have logged into your account, use the ‘Tools’ section to select “Get a tax transcript”. Click the button “Get Transcript ONLINE” and enter your personal details as required. Select “Higher Education/Student Aid” as your reason and request “Tax Transcript/Verification of Non-filing Letter” along with the relevant tax year.
You will then be able to view your Verification of Non-filing Letter.
How to request a Verification of Non-Filing Letter by mail
You can also request tax transcripts by mail, although this method will take longer. To do this you will need a paper copy of the IRS Form 4506-T, which must then be completed in full with your personal information and tax details.
The form must then be sent to the relevant local tax office (listed on the second page of the form) and you will receive a paper copy of your Verification of Non-Filing Letter in the mail.
How to request a Verification of Non-Filing Letter by phone
You can also request a tax transcript over the phone by calling the IRS’ automated phone transcript service on 800-908-9946 and selecting the Verification of Non-Filing Letter option. You will be asked to submit your personal information and tax details and a copy of the letter will be mailed to you.