IRS Data Retrieval Tool

Office of Financial Aid

What does it do?

The IRS Data Retrieval Tool will pull financial information from the IRS directly into your FAFSA to ensure accuracy and accelerate the awarding process.

How do I know if I can use it?

You should be able to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool unless you filed:

  • Married, filing separately 
  • Married, head of household
  • An amended tax return
  • A foreign tax return
  • Have a change in marital status after December 31, 2022

How do I use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool?

The IRS Data Retrieval Tool is used at the start of the Financial Information section of the FAFSA. It will ask if you about the status of taxes, and if you meet the criteria, it will allow you leave the FAFSA site and enter the IRS site. The IRS site will display your tax data and give you the option to transfer your data into the FAFSA. After you are finished, (re)sign and (re)submit your FAFSA. 

If you submitted the FAFSA without using the Data Retrieval Tool and now want to, you can log back into your FAFSA through the Make a Correction option.

An easy-to-follow guide to help you complete the Data Retrieval Tool can be found on the US Department of Education's Student Aid website.

Please note that the address matching system used by the IRS to log in to their system is very specific and it must match the address you have on file with them exactly. This is usually the address that was on your last taxes. We suggest that you have your taxes in front of you and copy that address carefully. For example, spelling out the word “street” rather than using the abbreviation “St.” can be enough to cause an error in their system. The IRS.gov Website Help Desk can be reached toll-free at 800-876-1715, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. (Eastern time). 

The imported data appears to be wrong. Should I change it?

No, you should leave it and contact the Office of Financial Aid for guidance. If you change imported data, you are much more likely to be selected for verification, which has the potential to delay the awarding process.

Contact information