IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) on the FAFSA

The IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) on the FAFSA is a method to electronically transfer the student's or custodial parents' IRS tax information to the student's FAFSA form. All students are encouraged to use the DRT to ensure that accurate information is provided on the FAFSA. 

If the FAFSA was originally submitted with estimated tax and income data, you may make a correction on the FAFSA to use the DRT.

If you were selected for the verification process, and if you need to complete the Standard or Aggregate Verification Worksheet, you will also need to provide the financial aid office with proof of your and your custodial parents' income. To verify income, we need either a FAFSA report that used the DRT, an IRS Tax Return Transcript, or a SIGNED copy of the actual tax return (Pages 1 & 2, and Schedules 1, 2, and 3, if applicable; sign, using a pen, on the Sign Here line on Page 2).

Reasons the DRT may not work

  1. The address on the tax return must match the address on the FAFSA. For example, Main Street instead of Main St. can result in a "no match" rejection if the tax return has the abbreviation. Adjust the IRS web page address until a "match" occurs.
  2. If the name linked to the FSA ID is different than the IRS record, change the name on the IRS pop up page; for example, if the FSA ID was created with Maggie, change the IRS page name to Margaret. Include initials if necessary.
  3. It may not be working because the tax return has not yet been processed by the IRS.

When you are not be able to use the DRT

  1. If the tax filing status is Married Filing Separately.
  2. If the tax filer files a Puerto Rico or other U.S. territory or commonwealth tax return.
  3. If the tax filing status conflicts with the tax filer's marital status reported on the FAFSA; for example, if the reported marital status is divorced and the tax filing status is Married Filing Jointly, you will not be able to use the DRT.

If you have difficulty using the DRT or have questions about your FAFSA report, please call the FSA customer care center at 1.800.433.3243.