Financial Aid
How To Request IRS Tax Transcripts or Complete IRS Data Retrieval

If you have been selected for the Verification Process, you must submit tax data from the Internal Revenue Service. Photocopies of tax returns are not acceptable to complete the verification process.

There are two ways that students and their parents may complete verification of tax data:

IRS DATA RETRIEVAL

The IRS Data Retrieval Tool will not be available for 2013-14 FAFSAs until February 3, 2013.

IRS Data retrieval is the preferred method of providing tax data to satisfy the verification process. To be eligible to complete IRS Data Retrieval, your tax return must have been processed by the Internal Revenue Service. For individuals who file their tax returns electronically, it is typically 2-3 weeks from the filing date before you may complete data retrieval. For taxpayers who mail their returns to the IRS, it is typically 6-8 weeks before data retrieval is an option.

The following taxpayers will not be able to utilize the IRS Data retrieval tool:

  • Independent students or custodial parents of dependent students who are married, but filed separate tax returns or filed as Head of Household.
  • Individuals who have amended their tax returns.
  • Anyone who did not file a federal tax return for the tax year in question.
    • 2011 taxes for the 2012-13 school year (Spring 2013 semester or Summer 2013)
    • 2012 taxes for the 2013-2014 school year (Which begins Fall of 2013)

 

IRS DATA RETRIEVAL TIPS AND TRICKS

    • It will be helpful to have a copy of your tax return available when you attempt data retrieval.
    • The IRS Data Retrieval software is case-sensitive and abbreviation-sensitive
    • Your name will auto-populate on the IRS Data Retrieval form.
      • If your middle initial is on your tax return, you will have to add it to the IRS Data Retrieval form.
      • If your tax return information was typed in ALL CAPS, make sure the information on the IRS Data Retrieval form is also in ALL CAPS; if your tax return is in sentence case, make sure the IRS Data Retrieval form is also in sentence case.
    • Do not include punctuation such as periods on the IRS Data Retrieval Form.
    • Carefully enter address information as it appears on your tax return, excluding punctuation.
      • If you have moved since your tax return was filed, even if you have reported the address change to the IRS, you should enter the address on the original return.

The following link to a step by step short IRS Data Retrieval video may be helpful for you:

IRS Data Retrieval Video

IRS TAX TRANSCRIPTS

If you are unable to utilize the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, you may request a "Transcript" of your federal income tax return by either submitting a Tax Return Transcript Request at http://www.irs.gov or by calling the IRS at (800) 908-9946 or (800) 829-0922.

The IRS offers two types of transcripts - Tax "Return" Transcripts and Tax "Account" Transcripts. Only Tax Return Transcripts are acceptable to complete the verification process.

You will not be able to request a transcript of your tax return until the Internal Revenue Service has processed your tax return. For individuals who file their tax returns electronically, it is typically 2-3 weeks from the filing date before you may complete data retrieval. For taxpayers who mail their returns to the IRS, it is typically 6-8 weeks before data retrieval is an option.

Once you receive the transcript from the IRS (approximately 10 days) you may fax or mail the transcript to FSU Financial Aid Office 1201 S. State Street, CSS101, Big Rapids, MI 49307. FAX: (231) 591-2950.