Tax Return Transcript Instructions

Approximately 30% of FAFSA submissions are selected for a process called Verification. Students and parents of students selected for verification are often required to submit IRS Tax Return Transcripts or Tax Returns.

Tax Return Transcript Online

Students may request a Tax Return Transcript directly from the IRS online by following these instructions:

1. Go to http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript
2. Click “Get Transcript Online.”
3. Select either "Create Account" for first time users or "Log In" for returning users.
4. Follow directions to set up an account if you have not made one already.
5. Select that you are requesting the transcript for Higher Education.
6. Select the Tax Return Transcript for the tax year we are requesting.
7. If the Tax Return Transcript successfully displays to you as a PDF, provide the Office of Student Financial Aid a copy for processing.

Tax Return Transcript by Mail

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this option is currently unavailable.

Students may request a Tax Return Transcript directly from the IRS by mail by following these instructions:

1. Go to http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript
2. Click “Get Transcript by Mail.”
3. Follow directions to request the transcript.
4. Choose “Return Transcript” and select the Tax Year we are requesting. Click “Continue.”
5. Allow 10 business days for the transcript to mail to you.
6. Provide the Financial Aid Office a copy of your tax return transcript for processing.

Tax Returns

For the 2024-2025 and the 2025-2026 academic year, students are permitted to turn in Tax Returns rather than a Tax Return Transcript. When turning in a Tax Return, ensure the signature section is signed by one of the filers, or that the return was completed with the tax preparer’s signature and EIN (Employer Identification Number) or PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number).