IRS Data Retrieval

When you apply online, you will be given the option to retrieve your IRS data to automatically populate the FAFSA. This option simplifies the application process, helps reduce errors, and may lower your chances of being selected to verify the information on your FAFSA. To take advantage of this feature, you'll need to complete your taxes first. It will take roughly two weeks for your taxes to be processed. After this time, you should be able to retrieve this information to automatically populate the corresponding questions on the FAFSA.

What if I haven't filed my federal income tax returns yet?

When completing the income tax information on the FAFSA, if you and/or your parents will, but have not yet, filed your Federal Income Tax Returns, please mark "I will file but have not yet completed my return." You should then estimate your income information to complete the FAFSA by the March 2 priority deadline. Once you and/or your parents have filed your return, you should return to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and click on "Make FAFSA Corrections," and then click on Making Corrections to a Processed FAFSA." Once logged into your FAFSA, navigate to the income section where you can use IRS Data Retrieval (IDR) tool to link to the IRS database and load your official tax return data into your FAFSA. If you are selected for the Verification process, you will be required to use IDR or you will be required to provide us with an Official Tax Return Transcript directly from the IRS or by calling (800) 908-9946.

Students selected for Verification who meet the following circumstances will be required to obtain an Official Tax Return Transcript:

• Tax filers from Puerto Rico;
• Students and/or parents who filed an Amended Federal Income Tax Return;
• Students who completed their income tax return as single, but are now married (student and spouse's IRS Tax Return Transcripts required); and
• Foreign tax filers.