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 spouse 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.
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 un
able to retrieve
data you will need to try t
he IRS Tax Transcript method.
4. Electronically sign and submit the FAFSA corrections you just made verifying your income.
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 spouse had taxable income in 2017 and filed a 2017 Feder
al Income Tax Return, you are required to
provide us with documentat
ion for that tax return. If both the student and spouse 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 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, 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 6a on that form to request a tax return transcript.
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
If you or your spouse did NOT file taxes for the year 2017, you are required to provide us with confirmation from
the IRS. If both the student and spouse did not file, then both will need to request separate 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-f
iling.
4. You will need your Social S
ecurity 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.
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 SUNY Potsdam Financial Aid if you are unable to provide the required proof using the above methods.