IRS Data Retrieval Option
We strongly recommend that parents and students select the IRS Data Retrieval option when filing the initial FAFSA or when subsequent corrections are made to your FAFSA application. This option will streamline and expedite the processing of your financial aid application.
What You Need to Be Successful
In order to successfully use the IRS Data Retrieval option, you must have:
- A federal tax return filed with the IRS.
- A valid Social Security number.
- Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) that you can apply for during the FAFSA process.
- An unchanged marital status since December of the tax filing year.
The Data Retrieval Process cannot be used in the following circumstances:
- Parents or students who are married and filed "Married Filing Separately" returns
- Unmarried parents living together
- Married and filed as Head of Household
- Marital status changed after December 31
- Parents with all zeroes for SSN
- Filed an amended tax return
- Filed a Puerto Rican or foreign tax return