Your financial information is verified through the IRS Tool developed by The Department of Education and Internal Revenue Service known as the Future Act Data Direct Exchange (FA-DDX) or through an IRS Tax Return Transcript. The FA-DDX is a feature of FAFSA on the web, which links your FAFSA with your already filed federal tax information through the IRS. You may update your FAFSA by linking to your federal taxes and pulling your tax data directly from the IRS. When you utilize the FA-DDX, your FAFSA is auto-filled and simplifies your progress If you are unable to use the FA-DDX and are required for verification, you must contact the IRS to request a copy of student and/or parent’s IRS tax return transcript to provide to The Office of Financial Aid (See below, “What if I Cannot Use the FA-DDX IRS Tool”).
What if I Cannot Use the FA-DDX IRS Tool? 
If you cannot (or will not) complete the FA-DDX, you may request an IRS Tax Return Transcript and submit it to the Office of Financial Aid. (See our guide on How to Request an IRS Tax Return Transcript). You must request an IRS transcript if:
- You (or your parent) did not use the IRS Data Retrieval Process either at initial FAFSA filing or through subsequent corrections.
- You changed information after using the IRS Tool.
- Your tax status is ‘Married, filing separately.’
- Your parents filed separate tax returns.
- You (or your parent) had a change in marital status after the end of the tax year on December 31.
- You (or your parent) filed an amended tax return.
- You filed taxes outside the U.S.
What If I Filed an Extension or Have Another Special Circumstance?
If you filed an extension, filed an amended return, were a victim of tax-related identity theft, or filed non-IRS income tax return, please click thisfor more information.
