Requesting a tax return transcript

The tax return transcript is a document tax filers can request from the IRS that includes the information submitted on the tax return. The IRS makes tax return transcripts available to individuals that request it free of charge.

When processing submitted FAFSA’s, the Department of Education selects about one third of all applications to
confirm information provided. A school may request a student’s or parents’ tax return transcript (or the use of the IRS data retrieval tool) in order to verify financial information reported on the FAFSA. 

Department of Education regulations require that schools collect tax return transcripts or have students and/or their parents use the IRS data retrieval tool in lieu of any other documentation if required to file taxes.

1. To request a tax return transcript online visit www.IRS.gov/individuals/get-transcript. (The transcript is generally received within 10 business days from the IRS’s receipt of the online request.)

   Select the type of transcript

   For financial aid purposes, request the tax return transcript.

   Select the tax year you wish to receive
   
   This should be the most recently completed tax year (i.e. for the 2022-2023 FAFSA, request the 2020 Tax Return Transcript, for the 2021-2022 FAFSA, request the 2019 Tax Return Transcript).
   
   The IRS will mail your Tax Return Transcript to the address indicated on the Tax Return.

2. Complete an IRS Form 4506-T. The tax transcript is generally received within 10 business days from the IRS’s receipt of the paper request form. The 4506-T form is available online.

3. Automated Telephone Request: 1.800.908.9946. Transcript is generally received within 10 business days from the IRS’s receipt of the telephone request.

Once received, please submit copies of the Tax Return Transcript to the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office