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Tax Verification Resources

If your college is verifying your tax information in order to complete your financial aid requirements, you have the option of using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool or obtaining your IRS Tax Return Transcripts.  Use the information below as resources to obtain your tax information.

IRS Data Retrieval Tool

Using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on your FAFSA is the fastest and easiest way for you to provide your tax information to your college.

The IRS Data Retrieval Tool links directly to IRS records to transfer tax and income information for students and parents directly to the FAFSA.  Using the IRS Match makes the FAFSA easier to complete, and simplifies follow up steps with your college.  Once you use the IRS Match to transfer information to your FAFSA, do not change the information that was transferred to your FAFSA from the IRS.

To increase the likelihood that a match will be found when using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool:

• Enter name and address information EXACTLY as it is shown on the tax return
• If married, filing jointly, use the primary filer’s information
• Wait 2 weeks after e-filing your federal income tax return, or 4-8 weeks after submitting taxes by mail

If you cannot use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when you first complete your FAFSA because taxes were recently filed, log back into your online FAFSA account after your SAR is available and use the tool to update the tax information for yourself and/or your parents.

1. Log into your FAFSA account at www.fafsa.gov.
2. Click on the link “Make FAFSA Corrections” if you previously completed a FAFSA.
3. Then click on a tab on the top of your FAFSA that says “Financial Information.”
4. On the “Financial Information” page, click on “Link to IRS.”
5. This will take you away from your FAFSA account and link you directly to an IRS page where you will enter personal information (and you will need to do all of this a second time if you are doing both student and parent retrieval). Make sure you spell your name and street address exactly as they appear on your 1040 federal tax return.
6. After you enter your personal information, follow the directions to “Submit” and then “Transfer” your IRS tax data to your FAFSA.
7. Make sure to go to the last page of your FAFSA to sign and re-submit the FAFSA.

Students and parents are not eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval tool if any of the following apply: 

• A married independent applicant and spouse filed separate tax returns
• Parents of a dependent student filed separate tax returns
• The applicant, parent, or spouse, as applicable, filed an amended tax return
• The parents are married and file as Head of Household 
• Parents enter all zeroes for Social Security Number (SSN) on FAFSA
• Any student or parent with a change in marital status since January 1, 2013
• Any student or parent who indicates they have not already filed a tax return or will not file a tax return

Note: If you are unable to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, see “IRS Tax Return Transcript.”

IRS Tax Return Transcript

If you are unable to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, you must request your IRS Tax Return Transcript.  We recommend that you call the IRS at 1-800-908-9946 to request your Tax Return Transcript. Calling the IRS at this number is the fastest and most reliable way to receive your transcript.  You may also visit the local IRS Office to obtain your Tax Return Transcript.  Alternatively, you may obtain your tax return transcript online or by mail, but these methods could take several weeks. 

• Call the IRS at 1-800-908-9946 (7 a.m.- 7 p.m.)

         FASTEST way to request & receive your tax transcript

You must have immediate access to a fax machine while you are on the phone with the IRS.  If you don't have access to a fax, you may visit the DSF Main Office to use our fax - please contact us at (303)640-6564 or collegeinfo@denverscholarship.org to make an appointment.

If your college is requesting your parents' tax transcripts, your parents must request their tax information.

• Visit the IRS Office

You must also obtain a copy of your tax return transcript by visiting the IRS Office at 1999 Broadway 17th Floor, Denver, CO 80202 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• If you visit the IRS Office you must take your ID and have your Social Security Number with you.

• If you visit the IRS Office to request your parents' tax return transcripts, your parents must be present.

• If applicable, your parents must have their individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) available.

• Request a copy of your tax return transcript - not assistance in the preparation of your tax returns.
• Online Request Form

In the "tools" section on www.irs.gov, click on "Order a Tax Return or Account Transcript".  Transcripts requested through the online form can only be sent to the address on file with the IRS (the address used when taxes were completed).  If the transcript needs to be sent to a different address, use a different method to request it.

Helpful Hints when requesting a Tax Return Transcript

• Use the primary filer's information to make the request in the case of those who are married and filing jointly.
• If you use the online request form, your tax return can only be mailed to the address on file with the IRS (i.e. the address listed or the 2011 taxes).  If your address has changed, you should make the request by phone or email.
• You may have to try several variations of your address on the online request form.  Try to match the address as it appears on the taxes, but you have to eliminate a period.  For example, "St." may not be accepted, but "St" might be.  Be persistent.
• Request by mail using Form 4506T-EZ

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506tez.pdf (English)

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506tes.pdf (Spanish)

The English and Spanish forms linked above can be used to request IRS tax return transcripts for those whose address or name have changed.

If you have questions or don't have access to a fax machine, DSF can help you.

Call DSF at (303) 640-6564 or email us at collegeinfo@denverscholarship.org as soon as possible to come in to receive help and use our fax machine.