IRS Data Retrieval Tool
and Tax Return Transcripts Instructions
How to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool in FAFSA
The best way to verify tax return information is by using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool which is part of the FAFSA on the Web
application. If the student or parent(s) have not already used the tool,
o Go to www.fafsa.gov
o Login to the student’s FAFSA using their FSA ID (https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm)
o Select Make FAFSA Corrections and then enter a Save Key
o Navigate to the Financial Information section of the application
o Follow the on-screen instructions. Based on your answers FAFSA will determine if the student or parent(s) can use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool
to transfer 2017 IRS income tax information into the FAFSA. If eligible to use the tool you will see a button that says Link to IRS
o Click the Link to IRS button which will redirect you to the Internal Revenue Service web site. A message will display explaining you are
‘leaving FAFSA on the web’. To continue with transferring your information, click Proceed to IRS site Notice: for parent’s, you must enter the
parent’s FSA ID before clicking the Link to IRS button.
o Generally most, if not all, of the following fields’ information is populated into the corresponding fields based on the answers reported on the FAFSA: First
Name, Last Name, Social Security Number, Date of Birth and filing status. However, if this information is not pre-populated you will need to enter it.
o Enter your address (must match your 2017 Federal Income Tax Return), city, state and zip code. Click Submit in the bottom right corner of the page.
o To transfer the data, click the box to place a checkmark under Transfer My Tax Information into the FAFSA section and then click the
Transfer Now button.
Once you’ve transferred the data into FAFSA you will see Transferred from the IRS next to each question where the information was transferred.
Notice: do not click ‘save’ and exit the application as you still need to finish the rest of the application. At the end of the application you need to
make sure you, and your parent (if applicable), sign your FAFSA using your FSA ID.
How to request your 2017 Tax Return Transcripts from the IRS
From the IRS website, you can request a tax return transcript through their Get Transcript Online or Get Transcript by Mail options. You can also
contact the IRS by phone to request your tax return transcript. Note: the method you used to file your return and whether you have a refund or balance
due, affects your current year transcript availability.
To use this service you need:
• Full Name;
• Email;
• Date of birth;
• Your Social Security Number or Individual Tax
Identification Number (ITIN);
• Tax Filing Status;
• Current address;
• Personal account number from a credit card,
mortgage, home equity loan, home equity line of
credit or car loan and,
• Mobile phone with your name on the account.
Note: if account setup is successful you will be able
to download and/or print your tax return transcript.
To use this service you need:
• Your Social Security Number or Individual
Tax Identification Number (ITIN);
• Date of birth and,
• Mailing address from your latest tax return
Note: transcripts generally arrive in 5-10
calendar days to the address the IRS has on file
for you. The IRS will never send an email
requesting that you obtain or access your
transcripts. If you receive such a notice, please
forward to the IRS fraud group at
phishing@irs.gov.
How to request an IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter for 2017
Go to the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov/ and click on Search Forms & Instructions. On this page click to select Form 4506-T and
follow the instructions on the form. IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letters can be requested by checking box 7 and 8 (if no W-2s
provided) on IRS Form 4506-T. Notice: 2017 IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letters must be dated on or after October 1, 2018.
