The IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) electronically transfers your federal tax return information into your FAFSA form.
- Log in to your current FAFSA form or start a new application at studentaid.gov.
- In the financial section of the online form, you will see a “Link to IRS” button if you are eligible to use the IRS DRT.
- Click the “Link to IRS” button and log in with your FSA ID to be transferred to the IRS to retrieve your info.
- Once at the IRS site, enter your information exactly as it appears on your federal income tax return and click the “Submit” button.
- Check the “Transfer My Tax Information into the FAFSA form” box, and click the “Transfer Now” button.
- You will know that your federal tax return information has been successfully transferred because the words “Transferred from the IRS” will display in place of the IRS information in your FAFSA form.
The IRS DRT can be used by both students and parents. Click here to learn more about the IRS DRT.
Helpful Hints for Using the DRT
- Have your taxes in front of you and enter the address as it appears on your return.
- The address on file is typically the address on your most recent return.
- Spelling out the word “street” rather than using the abbreviation “st” can be enough to cause an error.
- Addresses on the IRS system are auto-corrected through a United States Postal Services software and may not match what you put on your tax return.
- If you have entered your address as it appears on your return and it does not work, try using the standardized version of your address. To get a standardized version of your address go to the USPS website and search by Zip Code. Enter the address and click find.
If you still have problems, the IRS.gov Website help desk can be reached at 1-800-829-1040 (Monday through Friday) 7 am – 7 pm (Eastern Standard Time).
