IRS retrieval tool--is the tool always shown, even if not yet available

Paying for College
1

This is my 9th FAFSA, but first with the retrieval tool. I did the FAFSA a few weeks ago “will file”. There was no link shown where I had the option to use the retrieval tool. I electronically filed yesterday and went back in FAFSA to correct to “have filed”.

Still, no link or option to use the tool. Does the retrieval option/link only show after the IRS has processed the return? Do you just keep checking the FAFSA to see if the link is there yet? The videos and posts I found seemed to indicate the linkage should always be there, but wouldn’t work until the tax return had been processed. I had a refund if that still makes a difference.

2

I haven’t used it yet, but I got the impression that the IRS doesn’t put the tool up until a certain date for everyone, regardless of when taxes are filed.

The IRS link did not show up at all for us when we were filing the FAFSA earlier this month. I thought it should have been there but not available too, but it just was not present.

3

According to the FAFSA website, the IRS Data Retrieval Tool won’t be available until Feb. 2nd.

https://fafsa.ed.gov/

4

^^Thanks!

5

You’re welcome. :slight_smile: