Important Information about Data Retrieval

Data Retrieval Process

The IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) allows students and parents who filed a U.S tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to access the IRS tax return information needed to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and transfer the data directly into their FAFSA.

If you are eligible to use the IRS DRT, we highly recommend using the tool for several reasons:

1. It's the easiest way to provide your tax return information.
2. It's the best way of ensuring that your FAFSA has accurate tax information.
3. You won't need to provide a copy of your or your parents' tax transcripts to your college.

If you use the IRS DRT to transfer your tax return information from the IRS, the information will not display on your FAFSA. For your protection, the answer to each question is replaced with "Transferred from the IRS."

Students or parents who are married and filed as Married Filing Separately, are married and filed as Head of Household, or filed a Puerto Rican or foreign tax return are not eligible to use the IRS DRT, and will need to enter their tax return information manually.

The IRS DRT allows you to securely transfer original IRS tax return information, but not Form 1040X amended tax return information. If you filed a Form 1040X amended tax return, you may need to work with your Financial Aid Administrator to ensure that any information you corrected on Form 1040X is reflected in the amounts transferred to your FAFSA.

If you are ineligible or otherwise choose not to use the IRS DRT to retrieve tax information, your college may require a copy of your IRS Tax Return Transcript or a signed copy of your IRS tax return and applicable schedules 1, 2, and 3 (or your parents’ IRS Tax Return Transcript or signed tax return, if you are a dependent student).

HOW TO USE Data Retrieval

The IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) Electronically Transfers Your Federal Tax Return Information Into Your FAFSA Form. 

• Log in to your current FAFSA form or start a new application at fafsa.gov. 
• In the finances section of the online form, you will see a “Link to IRS” button if you are eligible to use the IRS DRT. It will only be available of the student or the parent(s) indicate they have already completed their federal tax return for the year.
• Click the “Link to IRS” button and log in with your FSA ID to be transferred to the IRS to retrieve your info. 
• Once at the IRS site, enter your information exactly as it appears on your federal income tax return and click the “Submit” button. 
• Check the “Transfer My Tax Information into the FAFSA form” box, and click the “Transfer Now” button. 
• You will know that your federal tax return information has been successfully transferred because the words “Transferred from the IRS” will display in place of the IRS information in your FAFSA form. 
• For your protection, your tax information will not be displayed on either the IRS site or fafsa.gov.
• Be sure to sign and submit the FAFSA for both student and parent.
• The IRS DRT can be used by both students and parents. To learn more about the IRS DRT, visit StudentAid.gov/irsdrt. 

Whenever possible use the IRS Data Retrieval Process on the initial FAFSA submittal. If the financial aid office is requesting a Tax Return transcript from you and if you are eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, you may use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool instead of providing a copy of the transcript or signed tax return.

If you have questions about the IRS Data Retrieval Tool or about Tax Return Transcripts please call Financial and Registration Services at (802)468-6070.