HOW TO REQUEST OFFICIAL IRS DOCUMENTATION
How to use the IRS Data Retrieval
This is the preferred quickest method to verify a 2017 Federal Income Tax Return (Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ).
If you or your parent had taxable income in 2017 and filed a 2017 Federal Income Tax Return, then you are required to
provide us with documentation for that tax return. If both the student and parent filed income taxes, then both will
need to use the IRS Data Retrieval process to verify both incomes.
1. Go to FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.gov
.
2. Login to your account using your FSA ID.
3. Retrieve and transfer 2017 IRS income information into the FAFSA. Note: If you are unable to retrieve
data you will need to try the IRS Tax Transcript method.
4. Separate retrievals will need to be done for student and parent income if both filed a tax return.
5. Electronically sign and submit the FAFSA corrections you just made verifying income. Both parent and
student must provide their FSA ID to sign electronically.
The results will be sent electronically to SUNY Potsdam within 7-10 days.
How to request an IRS Tax Transcript
This is the second choice option to verify a 2017 Federal Income Tax Return (Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ).
If you or your parent had taxable income in 2017 and filed a 2017 Federal Income Tax Return, you are required to
provide us with documentation for that tax return. If both the student and parent filed income taxes, then both will
need to request an IRS Tax Transcript.
1. Contact the IRS at www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript or at www.irs.gov/es/Individuals/Get-Transcript
(Spanish) or call 1-800-908-9946.
2. Be sure to request the “IRS tax return transcript” and NOT the “IRS tax account transcript.”
3. You will need your Social Security Number, date of birth, and the address on file with the IRS. Your
address is normally the mailing address used when filing your tax return.
4. Alternatively, student and/or parent can submit a completed paper 4506-T IRS Request for a Transcript of
Tax Return form to the IRS for processing. You must check BOX 6a on that form to request a tax return
transc
rip
t.
The IRS will inform you of how long it will take to receive your tax
transcript (it will likely take a couple of weeks
depending upon time of year). The online process allows you to download the PDF version immediately.
How to request proof you did NOT file taxes
STUDENT: Not Required.
PARENT: Each parent in your household who did NOT file taxes for the year 2017 is required to provide us with
confirmation from the IRS. If neither parent filed a tax return, both need to request confirmations from the IRS.
1. Contact the IRS at
www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript or call 1-800-908-9946.
2. Be sure to request the “Verification of Nonfiling”.
3. Alternatively, you can submit a completed paper 4506-T IRS Request for a Transcript of Tax Return form
to the IRS for processing. You must check BOX 7 on that form to request the verification of non-filing.
4. Your parent will ne
ed the
ir Social Security Number, date of birth, and the address on file with the IRS.
The IRS will inform you how long it will take to receive your request (it will likely take a couple of weeks
depending upon time of year). The online process allows you to download the PDF version immediately.
Contact the SUNY Potsdam Financial Aid office if you are unable to provide the required proof using the above methods.