IRS Data Retrieval | GCTC

Affording College

IRS Data Retrieval

For the 23/24 FAFSA, the use of the IRS Data Retrieval Tool through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid remains the best way in which to report income for financial aid purposes. However, if the Data Retrieval Tool is not available, and you do not have access to your tax returns for the year required to complete your FAFSA, a tax return transcript may be requested by mail. It may take 5 to 10 days for delivery.

Beginning with the 24/25 FAFSA, the IRS Data Retrieval will be replaced with the Direct Data Exchange(DDX). Where using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool is optional in 23/24, the use of the DDX is mandatory for those contributing financial information on the 24/25 FAFSA. Each contributor of financial information on the FAFSA must consent to allow the U.S. Department of Education to attempt to obtain their Federal Tax Information (FTI) through use of the DDX. Depending on the student’s circumstances, those required to provide consent other than the student may include their spouse if they are married, or their parent, and possibly their parent’s spouse, if the student is considered dependent.

Avoiding Scammers Pretending to be from the IRS

The IRS is reporting there are a variety of telephone or email scams con artists are using to obtain personal information from tax payers. Anyone receiving an email or telephone call reportedly from the IRS and demanding information or threatening other action should report the action to the IRS. Find information on a variety of IRS Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts.

According to the IRS website, the IRS will never:

  1. Call to demand immediate payment, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill
  2. Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe
  3. Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card
  4. Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone
  5. Threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.