Verification

How do I use the IRS Data Retrieval?

You may be able to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to transfer your tax information from the IRS to your FAFSA. To use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, follow the steps below.

  1. Log into your FAFSA
  2. Click “Make FAFSA Correction”
  3. Proceed to “Student Financial Information” and/or “Parent Financial Information”
  4. You will see the following questions:
  5. Did you file an amended tax return?
  6. Did you file a Puerto Rican or foreign tax return?
  7. Did you file your taxes electronically in the last 3 weeks (or by mail in the last 11 weeks)?
  8. If you can answer ‘No’ to all of the above questions, “Link to IRS” will appear.
  9. Enter your FSA Username and Password. Click “Link to IRS”
  10. Click “OK” to be transferred to the IRS website. Type the name and address EXACTLY (capitalization, punctuation, and spelling must be the same) as it appears on the tax return.
  11. Click “Submit” for the tax information to appear
  12. Check the box and click “Transfer Now” for the tax information to be transferred to your FAFSA. Once the tax information is transferred successfully from the IRS to your FAFSA, do not change the information, otherwise, it will be considered unverified.

Important Notice: If you are unable to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool and you are selected for verification, you will need to order an official tax return transcript from the IRS.

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