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IRS Data Direct Exchange
The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) developed a process, known as the Data Direct Exchange (DDX), to simplify the steps needed to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The DDX (formerly known as the Data Retrieval Tool) allows you to consent for the exchange of federal tax information into your FAFSA. The process enables the FAFSA to retrieve income and tax data directly from the IRS. All FAFSA applicants (i.e., students) and contributors (i.e., parents or spouses of students) who indicate that they have filed their federal tax returns prior to completing their FAFSA may use the DDX within the FAFSA application process.
We strongly encourage you to transfer your tax information using DDX when completing your FAFSA.
DDX Tips
How must you enter your address?
- When entering your address, it must appear exactly the same as it appears on your tax return.
What if you have not yet filed your federal tax return?
- If you have not filed your federal tax return before starting the FAFSA, you may input DDX information after you file your return by using the FAFSA correction process.
What are the benefits for using the DDX?
- By using the DDX, you significantly decrease the chances of being selected for verification, which will save you time and expedite the awarding process.
Some Families May Not Use DDX …
- If the parents of a dependent student file separate tax returns.
- If an applicant’s parent has a change in marital status after the end of the tax year on December 31.
- If an applicant or contributor has filed an amended tax return.
- If an applicant or contributor has filed a foreign tax return.
Verification
Some FAFSAs are selected for a review called verification by the U.S. Department of Education.
You will be notified through your Workday student account (or for entering applicants: your Financial Aid External Portal) if you have been selected for verification. If selected, you may be asked to provide supplemental documentation, such as income tax returns, W-2 statements, and 1099 forms.
IMPORTANT: If you are unable to use the DDX, then you must submit a signed copy of your federal tax return or request a Tax Return Transcript (TRT) to verify your income. The following options are available:
IMPORTANT: If you, your spouse (if married), and/or your parents (if dependent) need to submit W-2 documents, you may submit a copy of all W-2s received to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. If you do not have the requested W-2(s), please contact the IRS for assistance.
IMPORTANT: If you, your spouse (if married), and/or your parents (if dependent) did not file a federal tax return (and were not required to file one), you will be required to submit a Verification of Non-Tax Filing letter from the IRS. To obtain this letter, you may visit our Important Forms & Documents webpage or contact the IRS for assistance.
Your financial aid award package will not be generated until all necessary documentation has been received and fully processed by the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships.