IRS Data Retrieval Tool

What Is IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT)?

The IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) is an online feature that allows taxpayers and students to securely transfer their federal tax return information directly from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) into certain financial aid applications.

The tool is commonly used when completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial aid forms to automatically import tax data instead of entering it manually.

Why It Matters

The IRS Data Retrieval Tool helps simplify the financial aid application process by reducing errors and saving time. Because the information comes directly from IRS tax records, it improves the accuracy of reported income and reduces the chances of application delays caused by verification issues.

Using the tool can help students and families complete financial aid applications more efficiently and ensure that tax information matches official IRS records.

How IRS Data Retrieval Tool Works

When completing an eligible financial aid form, users may choose the option to retrieve their tax information through the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.

The system then:

securely connects to IRS records
retrieves tax return data
transfers the information to the financial aid form

This process reduces the need to manually enter tax details such as adjusted gross income or taxes paid.

Example

A student applying for financial aid through the FAFSA may use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to automatically import their parents’ tax return information into the application.