IRS Data Retrieval Tool status
In March, the IRS disabled the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS
DRT) following concerns that identity thieves could use data from the tool to
file fraudulent tax returns. Extra security and privacy protections have been
added to the IRS DRT.
On June 2, the IRS DRT became available for use on the
Electronic Income-Driven Repayment Plan Request. Note that transferred data
will not be visible to borrowers on the IRS DRT website or on the Electronic
Income-Driven Repayment Plan Request.
The IRS DRT will be available on Oct. 1, 2017, to use on the
2018–19 FAFSA form on fafsa.gov.
The IRS DRT will not return for the 2017–18 FAFSA form.
Further details about the IRS DRT outage are at
StudentAid.gov/irsdrt-outage.
Verification changes for the 2016–17 and 2017–18 FAFSA®
information
In response to concerns about the impact of the suspension
of the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) on students and families who have been
selected for verification of their FAFSA® information, we have provided
colleges with flexibilities they may choose to use as part of their
verification procedures. These flexibilities begin immediately and apply to
both the 2016–17 and 2017–18 FAFSA processing and verification cycles.
If you are assisting students who have been selected for
verification, you can read Changes to 2016-17 and 2017-18 Verification
Requirements on our Information for Financial Aid Professionals website to find
details about the updated guidance to colleges.
FSA ID enhancements—thanks to your feedback
On May 14, we implemented several enhancements to improve
the FSA ID experience. Users can now request that a secure code be texted to
their verified mobile phone number to reset their password, retrieve their
username, or unlock their account. Users can still use the existing account
recovery methods (i.e., requesting that a secure code be emailed or providing
answers to the challenge questions). In addition, the “significant date”
challenge question is now optional.
Find more details about the FSA ID enhancements on the
Financial Aid Toolkit website. And remember: Send your students to
StudentAid.gov/fsaid for FSA ID information.
We recommend that you encourage students and parents to
create their own FSA ID over the summer. Try this resource: Creating and Using
the FSA ID fact sheet—it explains what an FSA ID is, how to get one, and where
it can be used. Plus, it includes tips for using an FSA ID.
Federal Student Aid
U.S. Dept of Education
801 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002