Q: How do I fill out the Verification Worksheet?

A: Please read all instructions carefully, but in general there are 4 sections to the Verification Worksheet:

  1. Student Information: Name, data of birth, last 4 digits of Social Security Number, and Carleton ID.
  2. Family Information: List all family members that are in your parent’s household. This is for the parent that completed the FAFSA if your parents are separated or divorced. See the form for details on whom to include.
  3. Income Information: For both the Student and Parent you will only check 1 box. The box you check will be based on if you filed taxes or not and how you will be providing income documentation. Please see the FAQ section for further information.
  4. Signatures: Both you and at least one parent will need to sign and date the form.

Q: I don’t remember my Carleton Student ID, where can I find it?

A: Your student ID is the 7-digit number on the back of your OneCard. 

Q: Which box should I check on page two for the Verification Worksheet?

A: It depends:

  • If you answered “Yes” to the tax filing questions then you will only check one box under “Yes.” The box you check will be based on how you will be providing income verification.
  • If you answered “No” to the tax filing question then you will check a box under “No.” If you did work but did not file, then you will need to list employer names, amount earned, who worked there, and if you received a W2 it will need to be submitted.
  • If you checked a box under “Yes,” you do not need to fill out the employer information grid.

Q: I am a Dependent student, so who is considered in my family?

A: Your family will consist of:

  • You, the student.
  • The parent(s) whose demographic information was used to fill out the FAFSA.
  • Any siblings still living at home that are 18 or younger.
  • Any sibling that is 18–24 that is in college and required to provide your parents information on their FAFSA.
  • Any other people, if they meet all the following conditions:
    • They live in your household
    • Your parents provide more than half of their support
    • They will continue to provide more than half of their support through June 30 of the academic year.

Q: I am an Independent student, so who is considered in my family?

A: Your family will consist of

  • You, the student.
  • Your spouse, if married.
  • Any children for whom you provide more than half of their support.

Q: I don’t have my W2s anymore, what should I do?

A: If your employer is still in business, you should contact them for another copy. If they are no longer in business, you can request a Wage & Income Transcript for the tax year from the IRS. Or you can complete the IRS form Request for Transcript of Tax Return (form 4506-T) and check the box for item #8. Please note that information for a current tax year is generally not available until the year after it is filed with the IRS. For example, W2 information for the 2019 tax year that was filed in 2020 would not be available until 2021.

Q: I was never provided a W2 for working in the tax year requested. What should I do?

A: If you were paid cash for work such as babysitting or lawn mowing, then just list the amount you earned on the Verification Worksheet. If you received paychecks from anyone you worked for, the law requires that they provide you with a W2 statement.

Q: Why do I have to provide my Carleton W2? Don’t you already have access to it?

A: As part of the income Verification process we do need all W2s. The Carleton College W2 is provided by Human Resources and they cannot share that with anyone other than the student. 

Q: My grandparent lives with me. Should I list them on the Family Information?

A: If you or your parents provide more than half their support for the year, then yes. If, however, your grandparents only live with your parents for 6 months of the year and the other 6 months they live in a home that they pay for, you would not include them. If they are living with your parents for only 6 months and they take care of all their own insurance and medical cost, then you would not include them. If you are not sure, contact our office.

Q: Can I sign the verification worksheet electronically?

A: Carleton does have an e-sign process. When we first contact the student, information about the e-sign process will be included. Families can request a paper form if they prefer.