Income Tax Verification

The best way to verify your income and satisfy the IRS tax return requirement is by using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool at fafsa.gov.

  • This tool automatically transfers all necessary tax information to your FAFSA.
  • Tax information directly transferred with this tool eliminates the need - in most cases - to submit signed tax returns or official tax return transcripts.

For the 2022-2023 Academic Year/FAFSA: Follow the steps below to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool or to obtain an IRS Tax Return for 2020.

For the 2023-2024 Academic Year/FAFSA: Follow the steps below to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool or to obtain an IRS Tax Return for 2021.

IRS Tax Schedules Verification FAQs
How to Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool

The IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) allows students and parents to pull tax information into the FAFSA automatically, instead of having to enter it manually.

Who is eligible to use the DRT:

  • You must have completed and submitted your taxes.
  • Your tax filing and marital statuses must match.
  • You must answer "No" in the Puerto Rican/foreign tax return question.
  • If you filed your taxes electronically, it can take up to two weeks for IRS income information to be available for the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, and up to eight weeks if you mailed your paper tax return to the IRS.

Steps to use the DRT:

  1. Log into the FAFSA with your FSA ID.
  2. In the "Financial Information" tab, click on "Link to IRS."
  3. Click on "Process to IRS Site."
  4. At the IRS website, make sure that the information entered matches the information on your tax return.  
  5. Click "Submit."
  6. To transfer your tax information into the FAFSA form, you need to check the box under "Transfer" and then click "Transfer Now."
  7. To protect your personal information, the numbers pulled from your taxes into the FAFSA will not display.  Instead, you will "Transferred from the IRS" next to each question.  
  8. Respond to any remaining questions on the FAFSA.  It is common that parents or students who are married may need to enter their wages earned for the given tax year.  Use your W-2s to answer appropriately.
  9. Sign and submit your FAFSA.
  10. Allow 3-5 business days for your updated FAFSA to be received at Wichita State.
Can I submit a signed IRS 1040 Tax Return?

Yes, if you are unable to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool - or choose not to use it, you can submit a signed IRS 1040 Tax Return, in most cases. 

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:

  • In most cases, you may submit Signed Tax Returns to confirm your tax information for verification. 
    • 2022-2023 Academic Year: Signed 2020 Tax Returns
    • 2023-2024 Academic Year: Signed 2020 Tax Returns
  • The 1040 form must be 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 or choose not to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool in your FAFSA OR if you are unable to obtain your 1040 tax return:

  • Go to www.IRS.gov and select "Get Your Tax Record" link in the Tools Section
  • Call the IRS at 1-800-908-9946
  • The Wichita, KS IRS field office is located at 555 N Woodlawn, Building #4, Wichita, KS 67208.

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). 

How to Request a Verification of Non-Filing Letter from the IRS

If you did not, will not, and were not required to file taxes for the income year specified on the FAFSA, you will need to request a Verification of Non-Filing Letter from the IRS. Use the "Get Your Tax Record" feature at IRS.gov or mail/fax Form 4506-T to the IRS.

For 2022-2023, your Verification of Non-Filing Letter must be dated on or after October 1, 2021. The Office of Financial Aid cannot accept letters dated before then.

For 2023-2024, your Verification of Non-Filing Letter must be dated on or after October 1, 2022. The Office of Financial Aid cannot accept letters dated before then.