IRS Data Retrieval Tool - Southwestern Illinois College

IRS Data Retrieval Tool

IRS Data Retrieval Tool Process
The IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) allows you, and if applicable, your parent(s), to upload data from your federal tax returns into your FAFSA. It may be used during the initial filing or when subsequent corrections are made to your FAFSA. This option will streamline and expedite the processing of your financial aid, not to mention simplification of completing the FAFSA. Your taxes must be submitted to the IRS at least two weeks prior to using the tool.

When you will NOT be able to use the DRT

You will NOT be able to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool if any of the following are true:

  • Marital status changed after the end of the tax year
  • Filed Taxes as “Married Filing Separately”
  • Filed an amended tax return
  • Filed a foreign tax return
  • Filed a tax return using a Tax ID Number (TIN)
  • The home address on the FAFSA does not match the address on the tax return
  • Have not completed or are not required to file a federal tax return

If you answer yes to any of the above statements you must request a Tax Return Transcript from the IRS. Click here for instructions.

How to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool

•Go to https://studentaid.gov/ and select the “Start Here” button.
•Log in using your FSA ID and password.
•Select the “Continue” or “Make a Correction” button.
•Select the “Financial Information” tab from the top of the page.

Instructions: Requesting Parent IRS Information

1.Go to “Parent Financial Information” page.
2.Answer the questions in the first box to see if you are eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.
3.If eligible, select which parent is providing information on the FAFSA.
4.Enter the FSA ID for the parent providing the information.
5.Click “Link to IRS“.
6.Click “OK” to accept the IRS Data Retrieval Tool terms of use.
7.Enter the requested information and click “Submit”. Be sure to enter the address exactly as it appeared when you filed your taxes.
8.Review the information that the IRS has retrieved from your tax returns. Check the box to “Transfer My Tax Information into the FAFSA” and click “Transfer Now”. Your IRS data will be transferred to your FAFSA and you will be redirected to the FAFSA website.
9.Continue to the “Sign and Submit” tab to Sign and resubmit your FAFSA.
10.Allow up to five business days for SWIC to receive your updated FAFSA.

Instructions: Requesting Student IRS Information

1.Go to “Student Financial Information” page.
2.Answer the questions in the first box to see if you are eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.
3.If eligible, click “Link to IRS“.
4.Click “OK” to accept the IRS Data Retrieval Tool terms of use.
5.Enter the requested information and click “Submit”. Be sure to enter your address exactly as it appeared when you filed your taxes.
6.Review the information that the IRS has retrieved from your tax returns. Check the box to “Transfer My Tax Information into the FAFSA” and click “Transfer Now”. Your IRS data will be transferred to your FAFSA and you will be redirected to the FAFSA website.
7.Proceed to the Sign and Submit tab to resubmit your FAFSA.
8. Allow up to five business days for SWIC to receive your updated FAFSA.

PLEASE NOTE: If you make any changes to any of the fields brought in by the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on your FAFSA, the tax information is no longer sufficient for verification purposes. If selected for verification, a tax return transcript will be required.