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Why your college may ask for a tax transcript and how to get one
February 28, 2023
Just when you think you have completed all the financial aid applications, your college financial aid office notifies you they need an IRS tax transcript.
The request is part of the verification process – something that any postsecondary institution offering federal financial aid must do. College and university financial aid offices are required to verify information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It's a method to ensure that federal financial aid is being distributed appropriately and fairly.
You can get the tax transcript by going to IRS.gov.
- Let Us Help You page
This page links to information that will help you learn about the different types of transcripts and the process of how to get one. - Order a tax transcript
From here, you can visit the pages to request a transcript, either online or by mail. - Transcript types
This page lists detailed information about what is included in the five different types of transcripts.
You can also visit the IRS.gov Frequently Asked Questions page for specific questions about the Get Transcript Online service. There are FAQs about getting a transcript both online and by mail.