IRS Data Retrieval Tool Instructions

What is the IRS Data Retrieval Tool?

• Allows students and parents to access the IRS tax information needed to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and transfer data directly into their FAFSA from the IRS website

Why use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool?

• It’s the easiest way to provide your tax information

• It’s the best way of ensuring that your FAFSA has accurate tax information

• You won’t have to provide copies of your and/or your parents’ tax returns to your college

Who is ineligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool?

• Students or parents who:- are married and filed as Married Filing Separately- are married and filed as Head of Household- filed an amended tax return- filed a Puerto Rican or foreign tax return

*If you are ineligible, your college will most likely require a copy of your and/or your parents’ IRS Tax Return Transcript

Why is my information not transferring?

• Students or parents who filed their tax returns electronically within the last three weeks, or through mail within the last eight weeks, might need to enter their tax information manually or return at a later date to transfer their information into the FAFSA, since their tax return information might not be available for transfer yet from the IRS