How do I use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT)?

To use the DRT, log in to the FAFSA and proceed to the parent and/or student financial section.
Provide the requested information with regard to your tax filing status and, if you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be directed to the IRS’s website, where you will authorize the IRS to transfer your tax information into your FAFSA, by selecting “Transfer Now.”
You will then be directed back to the FAFSA website, where you will need to sign and submit your FAFSA.
If the FAFSA is not signed and submitted (by student AND parent) after the DRT is used, the transferred tax information will not be saved in your FAFSA or transmitted to USD.
When IRS data is transferred into your FAFSA you will not be able to view the data transferred. If you would like to be able to view the tax data processed by the IRS before providing it to the University of San Diego, you will need to order an IRS Tax Return Transcript (see below).

I used the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, but my Financial Aid Portal still shows my/my parents’ tax data as outstanding, why is that?

Make sure that you electronically signed and submitted the FAFSA after you used the DRT, otherwise the tax information will not transfer to USD.
It can take up to a week for the updated FAFSA to be received by USD. Continue to monitor your portal for the update.
If you are unable to use the DRT, please order a Tax Return Transcript from the IRS (see below) or provide a signed and complete copy of the 2020 tax return submitted to the IRS.
Make sure USD’s school code (010395) is on your FAFSA when you use the IRS DRT.

How can I order a Tax Return Transcript if I do not want to use the Data Retrieval Tool or am ineligible to use it?

If you need to order a Tax Return Transcript (TRT) from the IRS you may order one online or by mail by visiting the IRS Get Transcript website. In most cases a signed and complete copy of the tax return submitted to the IRS (including all schedules and attachments) is an acceptable alternative to a Tax Return Transcript.
Use the Student and/or Parent Tax Upload forms in the student’s Financial Aid Requirements on the portal to upload tax documents, if they are requested. Tax and other documents including Social Security Numbers may not be accepted via email. If you are unable to use the upload forms, write the student’s name and USD student ID on the document before mailing it to USD.