Before you apply.
Beginning with the 2012-2013 aid year (Fall 2012) students are highly encouraged to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when completing the FAFSA. The IRS Data Retrieval tool is a process that helps streamline the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by allowing online FAFSA filers to pull specific tax return data directly from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This tool will become available for the 2012-2013 aid year on February 1, 2012. If you wish to complete your FAFSA before this date, you will be able to use tax estimates, and file a correction once your taxes are complete.
This tool is optional, but we highly encourage each student to take advantage of this. The retrieval tool will save you time and increase the accuracy of your FAFSA information.
To successfully use this option you must:
- Have a federal tax return filed with the IRS.
- Have a valid social security number.
- Have a Federal Aid Personal Identification Number (PIN)
You will be unable to use this option if:
- Your marital status has changed since January 1 of the application processing year.
- You filed married filing separately.
- You filed an amended return.
- You filed a foreign tax return
Please also note: Electronically filed tax return information will be available online from the IRS site in 1-2 weeks after the return has been filed. Data from paper tax returns will be available within 6-8 weeks.
If your FAFSA is selected for verification, and you chose not to use this option or you changed the IRS data, you will be required to request a tax transcript from IRS and submit it to the Financial Aid Office. Personal copies of tax returns can no longer be accepted. Please click the link below to learn more about requesting a tax transcript from the IRS.