If you and the spouse you are currently married to filed a 2018 joint tax return the best way to verify income is by using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) that is part of FAFSA on the Web. In most cases, no further documentation is needed to verify IRS DRT 2018 transferred income information if the FAFSA filer did not change the information.

If any of the situations below apply, review for the required documentation needed to verify income:

I cannot or will not use the IRS DRT.

Provide a:

  • Signed copy of the 2018 income tax return and applicable schedules 1, 2, 3, C and F submitted to the IRS, or
  • 2018 IRS Tax Return Transcript, or
  • 2018 IRS Record of Account.
  • If you filed a married filing joint return also submit your 2018 W-2 forms.

My spouse was granted a filing extension beyond the automatic six-month extension.

Provide:

  • A copy of the IRS’s approval of an extension beyond the automatic six-month extension for tax year 2018;
  • Verification of Non-filing Letter from the IRS dated on or after October 1, 2019;
  • A copy of the IRS Form W–2 for each source of employment income received or an equivalent document for tax year 2018 and,
  • If self-employed, a signed statement certifying the amount of the individual’s Adjusted Gross Income and the U.S. income tax paid for tax year 2018.

My spouse amended my 2018 tax return.

Provide:

  • A signed copy of the 2018 income tax return and applicable schedules submitted schedules 1, 2, 3, C and F to the IRS, or 2018 IRS Tax Return Transcript; or IRS DRT information on the FAFSA with all tax information from the original tax return; and
  • A signed copy of the 2018 IRS Form 1040X, “Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return,” including any schedules or forms that was filed with the IRS; or
  • 2018 IRS Record of Account
  • If you filed a married filing joint return also submit your 2018 W-2 forms.

My spouse was a victim of IRS identity theft.

Provide:

  • A Tax Return DataBase View (TRDBV) transcript obtained from the IRS, or if unable to obtain a TRDBV, an equivalent document provided by the IRS or a copy of the signed 2018 income tax return and applicable schedules the individual filed with the IRS; and
  • A statement signed and dated by the tax filer indicating that they were a victim of IRS tax-related identity theft and that the IRS is aware of the tax-related identity theft.

My spouse filed a non-IRS income tax return.

  • A tax filer who filed an income tax return with Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands may provide a signed copy of his or her income tax return that was filed with the relevant tax authority. However, if we question the accuracy of the information on the signed copy of the income tax return, the tax filer must provide us with a copy of the tax account information issued by the relevant tax authority before verification can be completed.
  • A tax filer who filed an income tax return with the tax authority for American Samoa must provide a copy of his or her tax account information.
  • A tax filer who filed an income tax return with tax authorities not mentioned above, i.e. a foreign tax authority, and who indicates that he or she is unable to obtain the tax account information free of charge, must provide documentation that the tax authority charges a fee to obtain that information, along with a signed copy of his or her income tax return that was filed with the relevant tax authority.

How to Request Your Tax Records From the IRS.

IRS tax records may be obtained through the IRS website as indicated below.  Be sure to request the correct IRS record type and year.

  • Request Online – Go to irs.gov. Click “Get Your Tax Record.”  Click “Get Transcript Online.” To use this online tool, the user must have (1) access to a valid email address, (2) a text-enabled mobile phone in the user’s name (pay-as-you-go plans cannot be used), and (3) specific financial account numbers such as a credit card number or an account number for a home mortgage or auto loan. Upon successful completion of the IRS’s two-step authentication, you will have immediate access to your tax documents for the past 4 tax years.
  • Request by Mail – Go to irs.gov. Click “Get Your Tax Record.” Click “Get Transcript by Mail.” Complete the online form and indicate the record type requested for the applicable tax year. The transcript is generally received within 10 business days from the IRS’s receipt of the online request.
  • Automated Telephone Request – 1-800-908-9946.  Follow the phone prompts to request the record type for the applicable tax year. The transcript is generally received within 10 business days from the IRS’s receipt of the telephone request.

NOTE: Verification of Nonfiling may be obtained by using the above methods and requesting a “Return Transcript”.

If you are unable to obtain your transcript through the methods above, then you may request one through:

  • Paper Request Form – IRS Form 4506-T.  Go to irs.gov, click “Forms & Instructions.” Enter the form name in the search bar. Complete the form and fax or mail to the IRS. (See 2nd page of form for fax numbers and addresses.) The transcript is generally received within 10 business days from the IRS’s receipt of the paper request form.

NOTE: Verification of Nonfiling may be obtained by using the above paper request and selecting the “Verification of Nonfiling” option.