<p>I got an email saying that I update the numbers on my FAFSA by using the tool, but I just don't know if it works before or after submitting the FAFSA, and since two of my schools' priority deadlines are before the retrieval tool is available.</p>
<p>Last year, IRS DRT was available 2 weeks after you e-filed your tax returns. In order to use IRS DRT on your FAFSA, you need submitted your FAFSA twice.</p>
<p>First time, you submitted your FAFSA using estimated tax information; in order to meet the schools’ deadlines.
Second time, two- three weeks after you e-filed your tax returns, using IRS DRT, you submitted the corrected FAFSA.</p>
<p>By using IRS DRT on the FAFSA, the tax information on your FAFSA are considered to be verified. No need to send the tax return transcripts to schools for further verification.</p>
<p>Oh, so you submit the FAFSA for each school twice then? Do you still have to e-file your tax returns if you use IRS DRT?</p>
<p>Once the FAFSA is processed, the SAR/EFC will send to the schools you selected on FAFSA (up to 10 schools).</p>
<p>In last year, DRT available 2 weeks after you e-file your tax returns.
DRT available 6-8 weeks after you mail in your tax returns.</p>