EOP documentation

During the application process, you may be requested to provide certain documents before we can make a final admission decision. Here's a list of common documents you may be asked to submit. 

Form W-2

Form W-2 is completed by an employer, for any services performed by an employee where income tax will also be withheld. 

Federal IRS Tax Form 1040

• Form 1040 is the main tax return filed for each previous year’s income.
• EOPs (and similar type programs across New York state) require the Form 1040 as the main proof of economic eligibility.

Note: For students seeking entry to EOP at Binghamton University for fall 2025, the Form 1040 from 2023 is required unless otherwise noted (similar to the FAFSA, EOP requires “prior-prior” economic data). 

Federal IRS Tax Form Schedule C

• The IRS Tax Form Schedule C accompanies the Form 1040. It highlights and details any income from business/self-employment

Federal IRS Tax Form Schedule D

• The IRS Tax Form Schedule D accompanies the Form 1040. It highlights and details any gains (or losses) from the sale or exchange of a capital asset 

Federal IRS Tax Form Schedule E

• The IRS Tax Form Schedule E accompanies the Form 1040. It highlights and details any income from rental real estate, royalties, partnerships, etc. 

Federal IRS Tax Return Transcript

Parents - and/or others in the household who are employed - who are unable to provide their students with copies of their Form 1040 tax returns will have to request a tax transcript from the IRS.

Note: EOP, and Financial Aid (in cases of your FAFSA being selected for verification), requires the tax RETURN transcript. DO NOT request the tax account transcript. 

Federal IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter

Parents who do not file taxes will have to provide proof of non-filing. This letter confirms that the requester did not file taxes for the specific year (fall 2025 EOP applicants need their parent proof of tax non-filing for 2023).

To obtain the Verification of Non-Filing Letter, visit the IRS website. You, or your parent(s), can request online (a downloadable, printable letter), or by mail. In both cases, they will need their Social Security number(s).

If you are not able to obtain the letter through the website, you may request one by submitting Form 4506-T to the IRS.

Documentation of Legally Approved Child Support

If your custodial parent receives child support from a non-custodial parent, please provide the following documentation (for any dependents in the household):

• Court-approved letter/notice, or
• Notarized statement (qualified as legal)

Note: In both cases, you must provide the weekly, monthly or yearly amount of child support received for each dependent in the household.

NOT ACCEPTED: bank statements or non-notarized statements

Documentation of Court-Approved Emancipation or Legal Guardianship

Emancipated Minor means you are a child under 21 years of age who no longer lives with their parents and is not financially dependent on them. We require a court or legal document of an approved emancipation.

Legal Guardianship means you’re living with someone other than your biological parents as appointed by the county or state court system. You are required to provide the following documentation:

• A copy of legal papers from the court that describes your guardianship
• Copies of death certificates, if your parents are deceased (contact the town/city office where they passed away)
• A signed letter from you, the student, describing any money earned or given to you in 2023; if W-2s and tax returns are available, include those as well

Documentation of Court-Approved Ward of the Court Status

If you’ve been appointed a ward of the court, this means you are living in foster care or protective custody. You’re required to provide the following documentation:

• A copy of the court letter confirming this status (i.e., from the child protective agency you’re residing with)
• A signed letter from you, the student, describing any money earned or given to you in 2023; if W-2s and tax returns are available, include those as well

Note: EOP at Binghamton University is a partner with the Foster Care Youth College Initiative.

Notarized Letters for Unusual Circumstances

The requirement for notarized letters is most commonly associated with the following situations:

• Cases of recent separation or divorce: a notarized letter detailing household support from the non-custodial parent
• Homelessness: a notarized letter from BOTH advisor/counselor and agency
• Parent(s) - undocumented status who won’t file taxes:

If working, submit letter from employer which states annual income from wages (include W2s, if applicable), and length of employment

Parents should provide a letter verifying their annual income for 2023, from all sources (wages, third party assistance, such as extended family or friends).

Documentation of Social Security or SSI (Supplemental Security Insurance)

Note: We are requesting documentation of Social Security or SSI, NOT public assistance or other social services

This requirement can be filled by providing the following for each member of the household receiving benefits:

•  Federal Tax Form SSA-1099 (for Social Security only)
• Benefit Verification Letter (for Social Security and/or SSI) 

Documentation of Temporary Assistance, or Public Assistance/Social Services 

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, consists of either FA (Family Assistance) or SNA (Safety Net Assistance). It is one of the types of public assistance programs offered by the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

Submit the official Notice of Decision, the written document sent from your city/county/state agency from where temporary assistance is provided. It specifies the type(s) of benefits received, for whom, and the total monthly or yearly amount(s).

Note: TANF is one of the only types of public assistance that qualify as an exception to the EOP income guidelines (bottom of this page).

Other Public Assistance/Social Services (not an exception to income guidelines):

• SNAP/Food Stamps: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, was formerly known as the Food Stamps program. It provides electronic, cash-like benefits in order to purchase food.
• Housing Assistance: Common forms of home assistance include Section 8 or HEAP

For these, or other types of public assistance, please submit the official Notice of Decision detailing the monthly or yearly amount received, or a signed and notarized letter from parent/guardian detailing the types of assistance received, and the monthly/yearly amount(s).