OPTION #1 (PREFERRED METHOD) - USE THE IRS DATA RETRIEVAL TOOL (DRT)
- Log in to www.studentaid.gov
- Under “I’m preparing for School” select Complete FAFSA
- Select Edit FAFSA Form and enter Save Key
- Enter Section for Parent Financials and/or Student Financials
- Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT)- Click Proceed to the IRS (you will be transferred to IRS website)
- Enter requested information and follow their instructions to transfer data from the IRS tax return to the FAFSA
- Your address must match the address on your 2020 Federal Tax Return exactly
- Sign and resubmit the FAFSA (If you fail to do this step your data will not transfer properly.)
If DRT transfer from the IRS to your FAFSA is successful, you do not need to submit a paper copy of the 2020 Form 1040/US Income Tax Return**. The Viterbo Financial Aid Office will receive a copy of the DRT results approximately 2 business days after your FAFSA correction is submitted.
**NOTE: DRT cannot be used if you are submitting a Reconsideration Worksheet. You must submit a paper copy of the federal tax return(s) before the re-evaluation of eligibility will be performed. Follow the instructions under “Option #2” below for sending Viterbo the 2020 and/or 2021 Form 1040/US Income Tax Return(s) and Schedules, as specified on the Reconsideration Worksheet.
If you are unable to utilize DRT, or your submission is unsuccessful, you must submit a paper copy of the 2020 Form 1040/US Income Tax Return per the instructions in the box below.
(Persons who file as MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY are not eligible to use DRT and must submit a paper tax return for each party.)
OPTION #2 – PAPER COPY OF THE 2020 FORM 1040/US INCOME TAX RETURN FILED WITH THE IRS
[**or 2021 Form 1040/US Income Tax Return if requested for a “Reconsideration”]
1. Submit a signed* copy of the identical 2020 Form 1040/US Income Tax Return you sent to the IRS. Include any of the following schedules that were submitted with your Form 1040: Schedule 1, Schedule 2, Schedule 3, Schedule C, and/or Schedule F.
- Do NOT send other schedules unless specifically asked to do so.
- DO NOT SEND STATE RETURNS.
2. The student should be clearly identified on a parent tax return by highlighting the name in the “Dependents” section, or by printing the student name and VU ID# at the top of the tax return. [Send multiple copies of the tax return if there is more than one family member required to submit the return.]
3. Tax returns must be signed* - by the student if a student only or student/spouse return; by at least one parent listed on the parent tax return.
4. If you filed an Amended Federal Return for 2020 you must also submit a signed copy of Form 1040X Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return that was sent to the IRS.
5. If you filed a Non-IRS Income Tax Return/foreign tax return, contact the Viterbo Financial Aid Office for instructions.
Financial Aid Office / Viterbo University
900 Viterbo Drive La Crosse, WI 54601
FAdocuments@viterbo.edu (to submit paperwork)
FinancialAid@viterbo.edu (to ask a question)
Fax: (608) 796-3859
Phone: (608) 796-3900