Skip to main content

Signing Tax Documents for Verification

There are 3 options for Satisfying Tax Requirements for Verification

  1. IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) from FAFSA

  2. Request a copy of your IRS Tax Return Transcript

  3. Print and sign your Federal Tax Return

How to use IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT):

  • Return to the FAFSA website and login to the FAFSA you wish to correct.
  • In the finances section of the online form, you will see a “Link to IRS” button if you are eligible to use the IRS DRT.
  • Click the “Link to IRS” button and log in with your FSA IDto be transferred to the IRS to retrieve your info.
  • Pop-up windows will notify you that you are leaving the FAFSA site.
  • Once at the IRS site, enter your information exactly as it appears on your federal income tax return and click the “Submit” button.
  • Check the “Transfer My Tax Information into the FAFSA form” box and click the “Transfer Now” button.
  • You will know that your federal tax return information has been successfully transferred because the words “Transferred from the IRS” will display in place of the IRS information in your FAFSA form.  For your protection, your tax information will not be displayed on either the IRS site or FAFSA.gov.

 You may be ineligible to use DRT if:

  • You filed married filing separately
  • You are married and you filed as Head of Household
  • You filed an amended tax return
  • You filed an electronic tax return less than two weeks ago
  • You filed a paper tax return less than six weeks ago
  • Your address on the FAFSA is different from the address on your Tax Return
  • Your current marital status is different than it was on your Tax Return
  • You filed a Puerto Rico or foreign tax return

How to Request a copy of your IRS Tax Return Transcript

Go to the IRS.gov

To register and use this service, you need:

  • your SSN, date of birth, filing status and mailing address from latest tax return,
  • access to your email account,
  • your personal account number from a credit card, mortgage, home equity loan, home equity line of credit or car loan, and a mobile phone with your name on the account.

What You Get

  1. All transcript types are available online
  2. View, print or download your transcript
  3. Username and password to return later

How to print and sign your Federal Tax Return – Form 1040

If you are unable to utilize IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) from FAFSA or request a copy of your IRS Tax Return Transcript, you (student and/or parent) will be required to print and sign your federal tax return.  You will need to have access to a printer in order to print your federal tax return and provide the appropriate signature.

To qualify as a ‘signed tax return’ the document must either:

  • Be signed by at least one of the tax filers. The signature must be on the line on the tax return designated for the signature of the tax filer.
  • Or, include the tax preparer’s stamped, typed, signed, or printed name and SSN, EIN (Employer Identification Number), or PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number).
If your tax return does not include the signature of at least one of the tax filers nor the preparer’s certification, it does not qualify as a ‘signed tax return’.


Tax filer’s signature or tax preparer information must be located in the portion of the tax return shown

We understand the COVID-19 pandemic has limited students and families ability to complete this task.  We ask all students/families to continue following all COV-ID guidelines within their state and county and to follow social distancing rules.  However, when it is possible and safe for students and/or families to step out of their homes, we suggest identifying local businesses such as FedEx, Office Depot, or public libraries that offer computers, printers, and/or scanners for the purpose of printing your federal tax returns.  Once printed, you may provide the appropriate signature and upload them to your Verification Worksheet.