Am I eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval process?
Some applicants are not eligible to use the process.
If you are married and filed separate returns you will need to request IRS transcripts for both spouses and send them to our office.
If your marital status changes after January 1, 2012, please send IRS tax transcript(s) and all W2s that reflect your current status to our office. If your marital status changes from married to single, you need to individualize your tax transcript with your information. Sign and date the transcript before sending it to our office.
How soon will my tax information be available once I have filed my return?
If you filed electronically, your information should be available on the IRS website approximately two weeks after the IRS has processed your return.
If you mailed your return, your information should be available on the IRS website approximately eight weeks after the IRS has processed your return.
What if I use the IRS match process and then change the information?
You will be required to go to www.fafsa.gov and complete the IRS Data Retrieval process again, or you may choose to submit IRS tax transcript(s) to our office. We strongly encourage you to use the retrieval process.
Can I use a copy of my tax return (1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, 1040X) just until the transcript arrives?
No, the Department of Education no longer considers tax return forms to be valid verification documentation. We will be unable to complete the verification process until we have received the tax transcript.
But I only have a copy of my 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ. Is that acceptable documentation?
No, according to new Department of Education regulations, tax forms 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ are no longer acceptable verification documents.
Can I still use the IRS Data Retrieval process to update my tax information?
Yes. Go to FAFSA on the Web and access your updated tax information using the IRS Data Retrieval process.
I already updated my tax information on the FAFSA. Can I still use the IRS Data Retrieval process?
Yes. We strongly encourage you to use the retrieval process.
What if I chose not to use the IRS Data Retrieval process?
Send our office a copy of your IRS Tax Transcript(s).
How do I request an IRS Tax Transcript?
You may request a 2011 transcript from IRS, free of charge, in one of three ways:
- Online
- Go to http://www.irs.gov
- Look in "Tools" Section
- Click "Order a Tax Return or Account Transcript"
- Follow instructions given
- Receive your tax transcript within 5 to 10 working days
- Telephone
- Call IRS @ 1-800-908-9946
- Follow instructions
- Receive your tax transcript within 5 to 10 working days
- Paper
- Download IRS Form 45067T-EZ at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4056tez.pdf
- Mail or fax the completed form to the appropriate address
- Receive tax transcript within 5 to 10 working days
If I file an extension for 2011, what will I need to provide?
You will need to send our office a copy of IRS form 4868 or a copy of the IRS approval of an extension beyond automatic 6 months extension and copies of all W2s for each source of employment income received.
If you file an extension and you are self-employed, you will also need to send our office a signed statement, by the self-employed individual, certifying AGI and taxes paid.
If I file a foreign tax return, what will I need to provide?
You must transfer your foreign tax return information to a 2011 IRS tax form 1040 converting all foreign currency amounts to U.S. dollars. Our office will need a copy of both your foreign tax return and a copy of the 1040 in order to complete the verification process.
