About the FAFSA

IRS Data Retrieval Tool

You can use the IRS Data Retrieval Option to link your tax returns to your FAFSA electronically. We strongly encourage you to use this option to streamline and expedite the processing of your financial aid application. Watch this video tutorial about how to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool or view the step-by-step instructions on how to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool and how to obtain an IRS Tax Transcript.

The IRS Data Retrieval Tool allows students and parents to access the IRS tax return information needed to complete the FAFSA, and transfer the data directly into their FAFSA form from the IRS website. If you are eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, we highly recommend using it for several reasons: 1) It's the easiest way to provide your tax data. 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 returns to your college.

Prerequisites for using the IRS Data Retrieval Option

• You must have filed a federal tax return with the IRS.
• You must have a valid social security number.
• You must have a FSA ID. Create one at the Federal Student Aid FSA ID Website.

You can’t use the IRS Data Retrieval Option if:

• Your marital status changes after December 31
• You and your spouse filed separate tax returns
• You are a parent of a dependent student who filed a separate return
• You filed an amended return
• You filed a foreign tax return

If you're selected for verification ...

Verification of financial aid application information is required of at least one-third of all applicants and are selected by the Department of Education.  During the verification process, the college will compare the information from the students' application with the prior years IRS tax transcript(s) and/or other financial documents. If there are differences between the application information and the financial documents, the college will send corrections electronically to have your information reprocessed. Students selected for verification must complete a verification worksheet (see below) and submit it to the Financial Aid Center along with financial documents.  Students requiring assistance may contact the Financial Aid Center.  Students who are not selected for verification should not submit these documents.

What students selected for verification should do:

1. Independent student:  If your tax information was not linked from the IRS to your FAFSA, then request copies of your (and your spouse's) IRS tax transcript from www.irs.gov, or sign on to your FAFSA and link the tax information from the IRS.
2. Dependent student:  If your and your parent's tax information was not linked from the IRS to your FAFSA, then request copies of your and your parent's IRS tax transcript from www.irs.gov, or sign on to your FAFSA and link the tax information from the IRS.
3. Complete the required verification form from the financial aid forms page.
4. Deliver or mail the completed worksheet, tax forms, and any other documents to the Financial Aid Center.

After submission of verification form, IRS tax transcripts, etc., all data will be verified. If discrepancies are found, the FA office will make the necessary corrections and re-submit the form. Allow approximately 2-3 weeks for this process. If you have any questions regarding the verification documents that you need to provide to the Financial Aid Center, please contact the FA office.