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IRS Data Retrieval Tool

Using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) when completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) allows you and your parent(s) to transfer information from federal income tax returns to answer corresponding questions on FAFSA on the Web. The DRT may be used to complete the initial FAFSA or to update information on the FAFSA.

Using the IRS DRT is beneficial because:

  • It reduces the likelihood that your FAFSA will be selected for verification. Any data element that is copied from a federal income tax return as filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) without modification will not be subject to verification
  • It reduces errors
  • It eliminates the guesswork of determining which line items from the tax return correspond with certain FAFSA questions

You may not use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool if:

  • Your or your parents’ marital status has changed after the end of the tax year
  • You or your parent(s) filed “married filing separately”
  • You or your parent(s) filed an amended tax return
  • You or your parent(s) filed a foreign tax returns instead of or in addition to a U.S. federal income tax return

The IRS Data Retrieval Tool transfers your IRS tax information directly into your FAFSA. To use the Data Retrieval Tool, complete the following steps:

  • Go to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa and select the “Start Here” button
  • Log in using your FSA ID
  • Select the “Continue” or “Make a Correction” button
  • Select the “Financial Information” tab from the top of the page.

Instructions for the parent to request the parent IRS information:

  1. Go to “Parent Financial Information” page
  2. Answer the questions in the first box to see if you are eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool
  3. If eligible, select which parent is providing information on the FAFSA
  4. Enter the FSA ID for the parent providing the information
  5. Click “Link to IRS”
  6. Review the information displayed and select the “Transfer My Information into the FAFSA” option

Instructions for the student to request the student IRS information:

  1. Go to “Student Financial Information” page
  2. Answer the questions in the first box to see if you are eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool
  3. If eligible, click “Link to IRS”
  4. Review the information displayed and select the “Transfer My Information into the FAFSA” option
  5. Proceed to the Sign and Submit page

If you’d like to know more about the tool, FinAid offers a in-depth summary on their website.

Approximately two weeks after filing the IRS tax return, you and your parents will be able to use the IRS Data Retrieval option to transfer tax information within FAFSA on the Web. We strongly encourage you to transfer your tax information when it is requested as you complete your FAFSA online.

  • By using the IRS Data Retrieval option, you significantly lower the chances you are selected for verification, which will save you time and expedite the application process.
  • If your FAFSA is selected for verification and you use the IRS Data Retrieval option, you will not be required to submit any tax return documentation.

If you are being asked to submit a Tax Transcript for you and/or your spouse (if married) or parents (if dependent), you can obtain a Tax and/or Wage & Income Transcript from the IRS (see below) or you can make a correction to your FAFSA and use the IRS Data Retrieval Option. The financial aid office will receive the corrected application and if you made no change to the IRS data, you will not need to submit a Tax Transcript.

Obtaining a Tax and/or Wage & Income Transcript from the IRS

If your FAFSA is selected for verification and you choose not to use the IRS Data Retrieval Option or could not use it, you will be required to get a Tax Return Transcript and, in some cases, a Wage & Income Transcript from the IRS by calling 1-800-829-1040. Personal copies of tax returns and W2(s) can no longer be accepted.

If your FAFSA is selected for verification and you and/or your spouse (if married) or parents (if dependent), did not and was not required to file a federal tax return, you will be required to get a Verification of Nonfiling letter from the IRS by calling 1-800-829-1040.

For a list of items needed to complete your financial aid file, go through My.Converse Portal.