Some schools request 1040's regardless of your verification status (for example, see IDOC). If you are selected for verification, all will request, but not all will follow through. If a school hasn't requested them, then I wouldn't send them. In any case, you should know in a few weeks which school you will be attending. Only that school will NEED them, if requested.
Check the school website. Some schools actually REQUIRE the tax returns and W-2 forms as part of the application process for incoming freshmen (most of the schools to which our kids applied had this requirement). Some schools only require these if you are selected for verification AND the school verifies you. Those selected for verification should wait for the SCHOOLS to contact you with what they want. BUT check... because really...some schools want this info as part of THEIR finaid application process.
