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IRS Data Retrieval Tool

The Department of Education is encouraging all applicants to utilize the IRS tax data retrieval process when completing their 2012-13 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Northwestern is supporting this effort in order to reduce the need to obtain full tax copies from all families and eliminate reporting errors.  Please be aware that if you are selected for a federal verification review and have not used the tax data retrieval process, you may be required to obtain an official tax transcript from the IRS.

What is the IRS Tax Data Retrieval?

The IRS Data Retrieval Tool is available to families who file a FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.   The retrieval tool allows families to transfer certain income information from the IRS directly to the FAFSA.

Beginning with the 2012-2013 academic year all online FAFSA applicants who indicate they have filed or will file a 2011 federal tax return will be directed to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.  The IRS Data Retrieval IRS Tool is expected to be available beginning in February.

IRS DRT

How soon after filing my federal tax forms can I use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool?

You must allow sufficient time for your federal taxes to be processed by the IRS before your data is available to be loaded into your FAFSA:

  • Electronic Tax filers (e-file): 2 weeks before data is available
  • Paper Tax Filers: 6-8 weeks before data is available

If you submit your FAFSA before you file your federal taxes, then be sure to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to update your FAFSA record once the returns have been filed and the income data is available to be retrieved.

Who is not eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool?

The following filing statuses would prevent an applicant from being able to utilize the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.  Additional documentation may be requested from families in these categories.

  • Married, filing separately
  • Married, filing head of  household
  • Filed Foreign Taxes
  • Filed Amended US Taxes
  • Non- tax filer

What if I choose not to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool or I change the IRS income information?

Families who do not use the tool may be contacted to submit additional documentation.  This may include federal tax returns, federal tax transcript, W-2s, etc.