IRS Data Retrieval Process

Beginning with the academic year 2012-2013 the Financial Aid Office will no longer be able to accept signed copies of your federal tax returns for the verification process of your file. 

There is an easier, faster way to provide tax information for the FAFSA—it is called the IRS Data Retrieval. The retrieval process will display your tax information and allow you to transfer it to your FAFSA. 

QCC strongly encourages students to use the IRS Data Retrieval tool as the fastest and most accurate means of providing your (and your parent’s, if required) tax information. To do so, an individual must have filed their 2011 federal tax return electronically at least 1-2 weeks prior to using the IRS Data Retrieval tool –OR– have mailed their taxes at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to using the retrieval tool 

If you indicate that your tax return is “Already Completed” when filling out the FAFSA online, you will be asked a series of questions that will help determine if you (or your parent) are eligible to use the tool. Some individuals may not be eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval tool. However, if you (or your parent) are eligible and use the IRS Data Retrieval tool, it is important that you do not change any of the retrieved information after the process has completed! 

Please note that you may still be required to supply other income information as part of the verification process. 

Tax Return Transcript 

Students who do not use the IRS Data Retrieval process may be required to submit an IRS tax return transcript directly from the IRS to complete the federal verification process. Tax returns can no longer be accepted. 

How to obtain a free tax return transcript from the IRS​

There are three ways to request your Federal Tax Return Transcript: 

1. Call the IRS at 1.800.829.1040, then select the following: 
   Option 2 (Personal Income Taxes) 
   Option 1 (Tax History) 
   Option 2 (Tax Return Transcript) 
   Enter & verify SSN 
   Enter & verify number of street address 
   Press 2 for Tax Transcript and Indicate what year is requested (2011) 
2. Order Online at www.irs.gov, then select the following: 
   Click “Order a Tax Return or Account Transcript” located in the right-hand column 
   Click “Order a Transcript” under Step 3 
   Enter your SSN, date of birth, street address and zip code 
   Click Continue 
   Select “Return Transcript” 
   Then select the appropriate year—2011 
   Click “Continue” (If you amended your tax return, you must submit an IRS Tax Account Transcript as well as the IRS Tax Return Transcript) 
3. Order by Mail: 
   Complete Form 4506T-EZ (Request for Individual Tax Return Transcript) and mail to the address indicated on the form 
   Form 4506T-EZ is available online at www.irs.gov