Information regarding the IRS Data Retrieval Tool:
The IRS Data Retrieval Tool is available for online FAFSA submittals and is accessible through the FAFSA website www.studentaid.gov. The Data Retrieval Tool allows FAFSA applicants and parents the ability to transfer their income information from the IRS to the FAFSA. See below.
Most FAFSA applicants and parents of dependent applicants, who indicate they have filed or will file a federal tax return will be directed to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to report and/or update their income information on the FAFSA.
BENEFITS OF USING THE DATA RETRIEVAL TOOL:
- Applicants can complete their FAFSA more easily and accurately.
- Applicants selected for verification can satisfy the income verification portion by using the Data Retrieval Tool.
- This will increase the accuracy and speed in awarding student financial aid funds.
IMPORTANT STEPS IN THE FAFSA PROCESS:
- Most applicants and parents who indicate they have filed a federal tax return will be directed to use the Data Retrieval Tool.
- Applicants selected for the verification process will be instructed to use the Data Retrieval Tool, or else request a tax return transcript from the IRS to submit to the Financial Aid Office.
WHO IS NOT ELIGIBLE TO USE THE DATA RETRIEVAL TOOL:
- Married couples who file separate tax returns.
- Separated or divorced applicants or parents, who filed jointly in the base tax year.
- Applicants whose marital status has changed from the base tax year to the date the FAFSA is filed.
- Applicants who are neither eligible nor required to file a Federal Tax Return.
IF YOUR FILE IS SELECTED FOR VERIFICATION:
If your FAFSA record is selected for a process called verification, and you and your parents filed a federal tax return but did not use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, you will be asked to:
- Use the Data Retrieval Tool to update your and/or your parent or spouse FAFSA income information; (OR)
- You and/or your parents or spouse may request a "Tax Return Transcript" from the IRS to submit to the Financial Aid Office to verify your income information.
- In certain situations, you may be able to provide a signed copy of the Federal Tax Return.
