2020-2021 INSTRUCTIONS FOR VERIFYING TAX INFORMATION
The best way to verify income is by using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) that is part of the FAFSA on the
Web. If you have not already used the tool, go to www.fafsa.gov, log in and select “Make FAFSA Corrections."
In the Financial Information section of the form, follow the instructions to determine if you are eligible to use
the IRS DRT to transfer 2018 IRS income tax information into your FAFSA. You should be able to use the IRS
DRT within 2-3 weeks after filing your return. Both the student and parent, if dependent, should use the DRT.
If you are unable or choose not to use the IRS DRT, you may provide a signed copy of the 2018 IRS Form
1040. It must be signed by the tax filer in the signature line. Do not provide a state tax return. Or, you may
obtain an IRS tax return transcript. In most cases, for electronic filers, a 2018 IRS Tax Return Transcript is
available from the IRS within 2-3 weeks after filing. If you filed a paper return, expect 8-11 weeks for your
transcript to be available.
To request an IRS tax return transcript, go to IRS.gov, select "Get Your Tax Record", on the next page select
either Request Online or Request by Mail. Use the Social Security Number and date of birth of either person
listed on the 2018 tax return and the address on file with the IRS (the address used when your 2018 IRS tax
return was filed). Make sure you request the “Return Transcript” and NOT the “Account Transcript.” Provide
the transcript to the Financial Aid office along with your Verification Worksheet.
If you are unable or choose not to use the DRT and cannot access your IRS transcript online, you must call the
IRS at 1-800-908-9946 to receive a transcript.
Special Situations:
Amended Returns - If you filed an amended tax return, you must submit an IRS Tax Return Transcript AND a
signed copy of your Form 1040-X, "Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return," along with your
completed Verification Worksheet.
Victims of IRS Identity Theft - A victim of IRS tax-related identity theft must provide a Tax Return DataBase
View (TRDBV) transcript obtained from the IRS, or any other IRS tax transcript that includes all of the income
and tax information required to be verified AND a statement signed and dated by the tax filer indicating that
he or she was a victim of IRS tax-related identity theft and that the IRS is aware of the tax-related identity
theft.
Non-IRS Income Tax Returns - An individual who filed or will file a 2018 income tax return with Puerto Rico,
another U.S. territory, or with a foreign country must provide a transcript that was obtained at no cost from
the relevant taxing authority that includes all of the tax filer’s income and tax information required to be
verified for the 2018 tax year OR a signed copy of the 2018 income tax return along with the Verification
Worksheet.
Filing Extensions – An individual who has been granted a filing extension beyond 6 months by the IRS must
provide the Verification of Non-Filing from the IRS, a copy of the IRS’s approval of an extension, AND a copy
of the W-2 for each source of employment income received for the 2018 tax year and, if self-employed, a
signed statement certifying the amount of the individual’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and the U.S. income
tax paid for the 2018 tax year.