Although the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) is still the preferred method for providing tax information when completing the FAFSA, accessing a real-time tax transcript at www.irs.gov/transcript will simplify the process of obtaining a Tax Return Transcript for those filers who are not eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. Electronic tax filers should have access to a transcript two weeks after taxes are filed, starting about the end of February.

Federal tax filers will be required to provide authentication prior to viewing and printing their Tax Return Transcripts. Get Transcript provides:

• Individual/joint-filer transcripts
• All available transcript types and/or

Letters of Non-Filing

• Taxpayer authentication
• Immediate display of transcript via PDF; users can view, print, and save the file

Get Transcript will alleviate the need to visit the IRS Office in person or request a transcript via mail; the filer will simply go to www.irs.gov/transcript. After user authentication, students or parents will provide the reason for the request, select the year(s), type(s) of information requested, and other requested information, and the document will be displayed in a printable format.

In preparation for completing the FAFSA, families are encouraged to file their taxes electronically and to do so as early as possible to meet all financial aid priority deadlines.