What is a Tax Return Transcript?
A tax return transcript is the formatted record of a tax return filed with the IRS. The IRS makes tax return transcripts available to individuals that request it free of charge.
Why does my school need a Tax Return Transcript? Can’t I just give them a copy of my tax return?
When processing submitted FAFSAs, the Department of Education selects about one third of all applications to confirm information provided. A school may request a student’s or parents’ Tax Return Transcript in order to verify financial information reported on the FAFSA.
The US Department of Education regulations require that schools collect Tax Return Transcripts or have students and/or their parents consent to transfer Federal Tax Information from the IRS on the FAFSA application in lieu of any other documentation if required to file taxes.
Steps to Request a Tax Return Transcript by Mail
- Visit the IRS website to request a Tax Return Transcript
- Click "Get Transcript by Mail"
- Click "OK"
- Provide the following information:
- Social Security Number
- Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY) (include slashes)
- Street Address (Do not include punctuation)
- Zip Code
- Then click "CONTINUE"
- Select the Type of Transcript
For Financial Aid Purposes, request the "Tax Return Transcript"
- Select the Tax Year
This should be the most recently completed tax year (i.e. for the 2025-2026 FAFSA, request the 2023 Tax Return Transcript, for the 2026-2027 FAFSA, request the 2024 Tax Return Transcript).
- Then click "CONTINUE"
- You can then request another transcript or click "EXIT"
The IRS will mail your Tax Return Transcript to the address indicated on the Tax Return. (received via mail in about (5-10 business days)
If you have recently moved and no longer reside at the address you used to file taxes, complete an IRS Form 4506T instead. The 4506T is available online.
Once received, please submit copies of the Tax Return Transcript to the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office.