How to Obtain Tax Information for the FAFSA
Starting with the 2024–25 FAFSA, the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) has been replaced by the FUTURE Act Direct Data Exchange (FADDX) to securely transfer Federal Tax Information (FTI) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to your FAFSA.
Which Tax Year Do You Need?
- 2024–25 FAFSA → Use 2022 tax information
- 2025–26 FAFSA → Use 2023 tax information
How to Provide Your Tax Information
1. Use the FUTURE Act Direct Data Exchange (FADDX)
The FADDX automatically pulls your IRS tax data into your FAFSA, making it easier and reducing errors.
Steps to Use FADDX:
✔ Consent to the transfer of your tax information within the FAFSA form.
✔ The IRS will securely provide your Federal Tax Information (FTI) directly to FAFSA.
✔ Your tax data cannot be manually entered—you must use FADDX.
2. What If You Didn’t File Taxes?
- If you did not file a tax return, FAFSA will guide you through the process to confirm your financial status.
- If you filed but cannot access your tax return, you can request a Tax Return Transcript from the IRS at www.irs.gov/transcript.
What If Your Financial Situation Has Changed?
If your financial situation is different from what is reflected on your tax return (due to a job loss, medical expenses, or other hardships), you should:
- Complete the FAFSA using the required tax information.
- Contact your school's financial aid office and request a Professional Judgment Appeal.
- Provide supporting documents (such as recent pay stubs, medical bills, or unemployment verification).
The financial aid office may reassess your financial need based on your current situation.
Important FAFSA Tips
✅ Create an FSA ID: Both students and parents need an FSA ID to sign and submit the FAFSA. Register at studentaid.gov.
✅ Submit Early: FAFSA opens in December 2024 for the 2025–26 school year. Applying early maximizes your financial aid eligibility.
✅ Need Help? Contact us at
or visit studentaid.gov for assistance.
By following these steps, students and parents can smoothly complete their FAFSA and secure the financial aid they need for college.