Income Tax Verification

The best way to verify your income and satisfy the IRS tax return requirement is by providing consent and approval to use the Future Act Direct Data Exchange (FA-DDX) on your FAFSA form at studentaid.gov/fafsa. All contributors to the FAFSA must provide consent and approval for this information to be transferred to the FAFSA form. 

NOTE: Even if contributors do not have an SSN, did not file taxes, or filed taxes outside of the U.S., they will still need to provide consent and approval.

IRS Tax Schedules Verification FAQs
How the data exchange with the IRS works.

Beginning with the 2024-2025 FAFSA, the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) will be replaced by the Future Act Direct Data Exchange (FA-DDX).

The FA-DDX authorizes the IRS to provide federal tax information directly to the FAFSA application upon receiving consent from the contributor.

Some families will not be able to use the FA-DDX:

  • If an applicant or their contributor(s) recently filed a tax return.
  • If an applicant or their contributor(s) filed a foreign tax return.
  • If an applicant or their contributor(s) marital status changed after the end of the tax year.
  • If an applicant or their contributor(s) address information on the tax return does not exactly match what the IRS has on file for that tax year.
  • If an applicant or their contributor(s) identity could not be verified.

If you are unable to use the FA-DDX you must request a copy of your 2022 1040 or an IRS Tax Return Transcript to verify your income.

Can I submit a signed IRS 1040 Tax Return?

Yes, if required, you can submit a physically signed IRS 1040 Tax Return. 

 A 1040 is one of the official documents that U.S. taxpayers can use to report and file their annual income. The form is divided into sections where you can report your income and calculate deductions to determine the amount of taxes you owe or the amount of a refund you will receive.

 Submitting your Signed IRS Tax Return:

  • 2024-2025 Academic Year: Signed 2022 Tax Returns
  • The 1040 form must be physically signed before it is submitted to our office.
  • You must also submit all schedules filed with your 1040 form(s). 
How to Request an IRS Tax Transcript (if you are unable to obtain your 1040 Tax Return)

If you are unable to use the Future Act Direct Data Exchange (FA-DDX) on your FAFSA OR if you are unable to obtain your 1040 tax return:

  • Go to IRS.gov and select "Get Your Tax Record" link in the Tools Section
  • Call the IRS at 1-800-908-9946
  • Locate your local IRS office at IRS.gov

You will need your social security number, date of birth, and the address on file with the IRS (normally this will be the address used when your IRS tax return was filed).