The best way to verify income and to satisfy the IRS tax transcript requirement is by using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool that is part of FAFSA at studentaid.gov. Note: Beginning with 2024-2025 FAFSA award year, all individuals on the FAFSA will be required to use the IRS Direct Data Exchange to share tax information or confirm non-filing status.
- This tool automatically transfers all tax information to the FAFSA
- Information directly transferred with this tool eliminates the need to obtain the transcript from the IRS
- Click here for instructions on how to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool/DDE and the latest information on submitting your information to WSU.
What is a Tax Transcript?
The tax transcript is a simplified version of the completed return and serves as a document to prove that you have filed a particular tax return. If you do not have access to your 1040 tax return, you can obtain your Tax Return Transcript from the IRS free of charge.
How to Request IRS Tax Transcripts:
If you are unable or choose not to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool:
For the 2023-2024 FAFSA, follow the steps here to obtain an IRS Tax Return Transcript for 2021. 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).
- Online request
Go to the IRS website and click Get Transcript Online. Sign in with or create your ID.me.account. Select the Return Transcript for the tax year we are requesting. You should get immediate access to the document.
or
Go to the IRS website and click Get Transcript by Mail. Enter the requested information and click Continue. For the type of transcript, select Return Transcript for the tax year we are requesting. You will receive the transcript by mail within 5-10 days if successfully validated.
- Phone request
Call the IRS at 1-800-908-9946 and follow the prompts. Enter your social security number and the numbers in your street address. Select the option to request your IRS tax return transcript for the tax year we are requesting. You will receive the transcript by mail within 5-10 days if successfully validated.
- Paper request
Complete IRS Form 4506-T-EZ. Provide your name, social security number, and address. Do not enter anything on line 5 of the form. On line 6, enter the tax year we are requesting. Check the box that attests you have the authority to sign the form. Sign, date and provide your phone number. Mail or fax the form to the appropriate place listed on page 2.
- In-person request
The Wichita IRS field office is located at 555 N Woodlawn, Building #4, Wichita, KS 67208. Typically, you must call 1-844-545-5640 to schedule an appointment in advance.