Missing SSN or Tax Identification Number (TIN) Emails

Students may receive emails requesting missing Social Security Numbers (SSN) or Tax Identification Numbers (TIN). This knowledge base article provides guidance on how to handle these calls and links to the official Student Accounts resources.

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Missing SSN (Resident Students)

Why the Email Was Sent

The Student Accounts office sends this email when a student’s account does not have a valid SSN on file.
Many students assume they provided this during admissions; however, App State cannot legally require an SSN on the admissions application, so the university may not have it.

Is the Email Legitimate?

Yes, this is a valid request from the Student Accounts Office.

How Students Can Submit Their SSN

Students have two secure options available on the Student Accounts website:
W9s Requested SSN/TIN | Student Accounts (https://studentaccounts.appstate.edu)

1. Have the user go to studentaccounts.appstate.edu

2. Select "Tax Information"

3. Select "W9s Requested SSN/TIN"

4.  Select the DocuSign form

5. Complete the DocuSign Form

   • Automatically delivered to Student Accounts once submitted.

6. Download the PDF Form

   • Student must complete and sign it.

   • Submit by mail or hand-delivery only. (campus location)

   • Email or fax submissions are not accepted.

The form can be mailed to: 

Appalachian State University
Office of Student Accounts
PO Box 32005
Boone NC 28608

For Parents/Authorized Users

Parents may receive the same email because their student is missing an SSN in university records.
They should direct the student to submit one of the two forms listed above.
Parents cannot submit SSNs on behalf of students.

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Missing TIN (Non-Resident / International Students)

Why the Email Was Sent

The Student Accounts office does not have valid tax information for the student.

While the IRS does not require App State to issue tax forms to non-resident international students, App State provides them because some students may qualify for education tax credits.

Is the Email Legitimate?

Yes, this is a valid request from the Student Accounts Office.

How International Students Can Submit Tax Information

Students have two options available here:
W8-BEN Requested TIN | Student Accounts

1. Have the user go to studentaccounts.appstate.edu

2. Select "Tax Information"

3. Select "W8-BEN Requested TIN"

3. Select the DocuSign form

4. Complete the DocuSign Form

   • Automatically delivered to Student Accounts.

5. Download the PDF Form

   • Student must complete and sign it.

   • Submit by mail or hand-delivery only.

   • Email or fax submissions are not accepted.

The form can be mailed to: 

Appalachian State University
Office of Student Accounts
PO Box 32005
Boone NC 28608

For Parents/Authorized Users

Parents may receive the email if their student’s account is missing required tax documentation.
The student must submit the form themselves using one of the two approved methods.