IRS Data Retrieval allows students and parents to retrieve their IRS tax return information directly into the 2022 FAFSA. This saves you time and reduces the number of documents that must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid.

How to use IRS Data Retrieval Step-by-Step

 

You will be prompted to use the IRS Data Retrieval while completing the FAFSA if you are eligible. If we request that you complete data retrieval, please use the following instructions:

  1. Log in to studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
  2. Click on Make FAFSA Corrections, enter FSA ID and password.
    You will need to create an FSA ID in order to retrieve your tax information. 
  3. Navigate to the Financial Information tab
  4. If you can answer "No" to all of the questions, the tax filer will then click on Link to IRS
  5. Once you are transferred to the IRS website, fill in the information exactly as it was entered on the tax return
  6. Click Transfer Now to go back to the Financial Information screen
  7. To enhance security and protect your privacy, any transferred data will not display on your FAFSA, but will be marked as 'Transferred from the IRS'
  8. Navigate to the Sign & Submit tab to submit the corrected FAFSA

Who is eligible to use IRS Data Retrieval?

Most families are eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval tool. If you can answer "yes" to any of the following, you are not eligible:

  • Was the student or parent(s) married when the 2023-24 FAFSA was signed, but filed 2021 income taxes as either “head of household” or “married, filing separate”?
  • Was the students’ or parent(s)’ marital status “unmarried and both legal parents living together” when the 2023-24 FAFSA was signed?
  • Did the student or parent(s) file a joint return but were divorced, separated, or widowed when the 2023-24 FAFSA was signed?
  • Did the student or parent(s) change their marital status between filing their 2021 tax return and filing the 2023-24 FAFSA?