Verification Process

Verification confirms the information provided on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The federal government requires colleges to verify the data reported by students and their parent(s) on the FAFSA if they are selected for verification. You can be selected for verification at any time during the academic year so it is very important you check your email and your InsideBC portal on a regular basis.

Verification is paperless!

Am I selected for verification?

If you are selected for verification, either by the federal processor or by the Bakersfield College (BC) Office of Financial Aid, you will receive an email to your BC email address with instructions to visit your InsideBC portal to view unsatisfied requirements.

How do I take care of my requirements for verification?

Log in to InsideBC. Your user ID is @00xxxxx if this is your first time logging in. Your password is your six-digit birthday (MMDDYY).
Select Financial Aid.
Select Eligibility
Select the Award Year from the drop-down menu and Submit.
Click “Verification Connect.”
Enter your InsideBC login username and password, click “Sign In.”
You will be asked to “Register Account” by providing your First Name, Last Name, DOB, SSN, BC email, and current phone number where you can receive text messages (see the video below for a walkthrough).
Important: Make sure your Name, DOB, SSN match exactly what you entered on the FAFSA or Dream Act application.
Once you have entered all information in the steps above, click "Register Account."

NOTE: The new paperless system allows you to complete forms online and e-sign. You can also scan and upload documents by taking pictures of them with your phone!

Why was I selected for Verification?

FAFSA applications are selected for verification at random, because they were incomplete, they contained estimated information, or the data provided was inconsistent. You are not being punished if you are selected for verification; verification prevents ineligible students from receiving aid by reporting false information and ensures that eligible students receive all of the aid for which they are qualified.

How are students selected for verification? (video answer)

To ensure your FAFSA is as accurate as possible we recommend you transfer you and/or your parent(s) tax information electronically using the IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX) website. In less than 10 minutes you can transfer tax information into your FAFSA!

In contrast, it can take up to 10 business days to receive tax return documentation from the IRS after you request it if you are required to provide us a copy. Please view the 'What is the Direct Data Exchnage?' video for more information.

What do I have to submit?

The system could list a variety of documents required depending on your situation. Most commonly you will be asked to confirm you and/or your parent(s) or spouse's household size and income information. Less commonly, you may also be asked to confirm other income received (i.e., child support, assets), high school graduation, or your identity.

Does everyone selected for verification have to provide the same information? (video answer)

If additional documents are requested, an email will be sent to your BC email address (or a text message might be sent to your phone) and your InsideBC portal will be updated. It is your responsibility to check your requirements and submit all documentation electronically through InsideBC in a timely manner.

How do I get an IRS Tax Return Transcript?

If you are required to submit an IRS tax return transcript for verification purposes, you can order a FREE Tax RETURN Transcripts online or call 1 (800) 908-9946. A mailed version will take 5-10 days to arrive. Online PDF versions are also available.

IRS Get Transcript Online Tutorial (video)

IRS Get Transcript by Mail Tutorial

Can't locate your copy of your W-2? You can order a FREE Income and Wage transcript online.

What happens after I submit my documents?

Your documents will be reviewed and information on your FAFSA confirmed or corrected. Depending on the documentation provided we may complete your financial aid award or request additional documents. You can continue to check the status of your documents by going to your InsideBC portal.

The review process could take a few weeks depending on the time of year and the volume of applications. You will be notified after the verification process is finished and a financial aid award has been made available to view in InsideBC.

What if I don't want to complete the verification process?

As a federal regulation, the verification process must be completed in order for a student to receive any federal or state aid and most institutional aid. If you do not wish to complete the verification process, and therefore not receive financial aid, please notify the Office of Financial Aid so we can update your status.