FAFSA Verification

Guidance for Submitting 2012 Federal Tax Information

To use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT), you must have filed your taxes electronically at least 2-3 weeks ago or have filed your paper tax return at least 8-11 weeks ago.

View the tutorial or follow the steps below to update the tax information on the FAFSA using IRS DRT:

IRS Data Retrieval Tool Instructions:

• Go to the website: www.FAFSA.gov
• Login to the student’s FAFSA record
• Select “Make FAFSA Correction”
• Select the “Financial Information” tab
• Choose the financial information for parent or student
• Follow the instructions to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool
• Be sure that the tax return status is “Already completed” then answer/update the questions regarding IRS Retrieval Tool options
• If eligible for data retrieval, enter the appropriate PIN then “Link to IRS”
• Select “ok” to leaving the FAFSA Website
• Enter name, address and filing status EXACTLY as it appears on your Federal Tax Return.  If middle initial is on the tax return, enter a space after the first name and then the middle initial.  Click “Submit.”
• Check the box under “Transfer My Tax Information into the FAFSA” then click “ Transfer Now”
• Choose the “Sign & Submit” tab then sign electronically using the PIN(s)
• Scroll to bottom of page and select “Submit My FAFSA Now”

If you receive an “information does not match” message, this may be because:

• Tax return was recently filed and the information is not available from the IRS; see above processing time
• Address associated with PIN number does not match address on tax return
• SSN does not match

IRS DRT cannot be used by a student or parent if—

• A 2012 amended return was filed or you have not yet filed your tax return
• The student or parent is married and the tax filing status is Married Filing Separately or Head of Household
• A 2012 Puerto Rican or foreign tax return was filed

Important:  Please submit W-2 Form(s) as neither IRS Data Retrieval nor the Tax Return Transcript provides individual earnings.  If there is business or farm income, submit Schedules C or F also.

If you cannot successfully use the IRS DRT, a Tax Return Transcript and W-2 Form(s) must be provided. You may obtain the Tax Return Transcript by using one of the following methods:

1.)   Request online at the IRS web site at www.irs.gov

Under Tools, click “Order a Return or Account Transcript”; click “Order a Transcript”; enter tax filer’s SSN, date of birth, and address; click “continue”; for Type of Transcript select “Return Transcript”—NOT Account Transcript; for Tax Year “2012”.

2.)   Request by calling the IRS at 1-800-908-9946

Enter tax filer’s SSN, address (currently on file with IRS); select “Option 2” to request an IRS Tax Return Transcript—NOT Account Transcript; and then enter “2012.”

3.)   Paper—Download IRS Form 4506T-EZ (Not 4506-T) at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506tez.pdf

Complete lines 1-4 using instructions on page 2 of form; skip Line 5 (do not send to aid office); on line 6 enter “2012”; tax filer must sign, date, enter telephone; mail or fax to IRS as noted on page 2 of form.

Additional information: 

• To verify that an IRA or pension distribution was rolled over, please submit 2012 1099-R form(s).
• Married tax filers who file separate returns must submit a Tax Return Transcript for each filer.
• If your initial tax return was corrected or amended, please notify our office.  Alternative documentation will be required.
• The Tax Return Transcript should be received within 5 to 10 days (longer for paper requests) from when it is requested.