Retrieving IRS Forms

Retrieving IRS Forms

Retrieving IRS Forms

Sometimes you may need to provide us with a document from the IRS. There are convenient and secure ways of getting these documents with no appointment with the IRS needed and, it's free!

Online

Visit the IRS Website

Select the method you wish you retrieve your document:
  1. Online- This method works best for individuals who have an established credit history. You will need to successfully answer the security questions in order to create your account and log in to the system.
    • If you receive the document online, you will be able to instantly download various IRS tax forms and submit them immediately to our office. 
  2. By Mail- This method works best if you cannot answer the security questions to make an online account. 
    • The IRS will mail you the requested documents in 5-10 days to the address they have on file for you. You will then need to upload copies of these forms to us.

Mailing a Request

You can also mail a paper request to the IRS for tax documentation. You can download the form below and mail it directly to the IRS. Please know this option takes longer to process than either of the online options listed above. 

Download 4506-T

Which documents do I need?

Tax Returns

Option #1 Use the Data Retrieval Tool (DRT)

The quickest way to provide us with verifiable tax information is by linking the FAFSA to the IRS directly via the Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) on the FAFSA application. If you choose this option, the student must select it as their method of submitting taxes in their verification portal, otherwise, the system will prompt you to upload a copy of the tax form.

Student DRT Instructions

Option #2 Use the IRS website or Request by Mail

If you need a copy of your tax returns and will not use the DRT, you will request a Tax Return Transcript on the IRS website.  Remember, the FAFSA looks at the family's income from prior-prior year. For example, the 2023-2024 FAFSA requires 2021 tax information.

Copy of W-2 or 1099 Forms
You will request a Wage and Income Transcript if you need to provide us with W-2s or 1099 forms that you cannot locate in your records, from the organization that originally issued the document, or from your accountant. Pay special attention to the tax year we are requesting.
Verification of Non-Filing Letter

For users who are logged in or mailing in a paper 4506-T, you can request a Verification of Non-Filing Letter. 

If you are using the online "by mail" option you can request a Tax Return Transcript. When the IRS goes to retrieve your record and they will see you do not have a return on file for the given tax year. This will prompt them to produce a document stating they do not have a return on file. This will serve as verification that you did not file taxes for that year.

If you are unable to get your verification of non-filing

There are limited circumstances when someone is unable to get this online or by mail. This is because the requestor has never filed a return in the past or has never filed taxes at a new address and therefore the IRS cannot match the requestor with their records.

In this case, you can instead submit to our office a written and signed statement that includes the following:

  • Assert that you attempted but were unable to get the verification of non-filing from the IRS,
  • Confirm that you have not filed and are not required to file a tax return for the relevant year,
  • List the sources and amounts of income earned from work, and 
  • Sign with ink.