Requesting a Tax Return Transcript Online
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The U.S. Department of Education has selected the student for a process known as
“Verification” and additional documentation must be submitted. You can request a Tax Return
Transcript from the IRS at https://www.irs.gov/. You will need a smartphone with a camera
and a government issued photo ID. How do I request the Tax Transcript?
1. The taxpayer must go to https://www.irs.gov/ and click on “Get Your Tax Record”.
2. Scroll down and click on “Get Transcript Online”.
Requesting a Tax Return Transcript Online
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3. If you a ready have an IRS account, click “Sign in with an existing IRS username.” Then enter
your Username and click "LOG IN". You won't be able to sign in with your existing username and
password starting in summer 2022.
4. If you have an existing ID.me
account, click "Sign in with
ID.me" then enter your Email
and Password and click "Sign in
to ID.me"
5. If you do not have an account,
click on “ID.me Create an Account.”
Enter your email, make a password,
confirm your password, accept the
terms, and then click "Create an
ID.me account".
Requesting a Tax Return Transcript Online
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7. Enter the six digit code in space provided
then click on “Continue.”
6. Click on “Continue” and the
IRS will send you an email with a confirmation code.
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8. Select which method you want to use to secure your account. In this guide the Code Generator
Application is used, but you can choose any of the options.
9.
You will need to download the ID.me
Authenticator app to your device if you do not
already have it. Select to receive and activation link
through Text or Email. Then click "Continue"
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10. When you receive the text or email click on the link.
Then click "OPEN" to begin enrollment.
11. Click "GET" to download the ID.me
Authenticator app, then click "OPEN."
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12. Choose your notification settings, then click "Ok." You will need the six digit code for the next step.
13. Enter the code from the app on the IRS website, name your device, and the click “Continue.”
14. You can then choose
to Generate a recovery
code or click "Continue."
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15. Choose which option you want to use to verify your identity, then click "Start now."
16. Read the consent policy, agree to the terms,
then click "Continue."
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17. You will need to upload a photo of your identity document from your device. Take a picture of both
sides of your ID and save them on your device. Then choose "Select" on the IRS site.
18. Click in the appropriate area to begin.
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19. Click "Choose photo" and then upload the image you want to use.
20. Once you have selected an
image that meets the requirements
select "Continue."
21. Repeat the process for the second image.
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22. Once everything is uploaded click "Continue." The ID will be checked for authenticity.
23. On the next screen click “Take a video selfie.”
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24. Click on “Start.”
25. Click "Scan my
face."
26. Click on "Allow."
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27. Allow the IRS a few moments to process, analyze, and compare your information.
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28. Enter your phone number and then click "Continue."
29. Enter your Social Security Number and then click "Continue."
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30. Review the information for accuracy. Check the box, then click "Yes."
31. Click on "Allow."
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32. You will receive a text or email. Reply "Yes" to confirm it was you.
33. On the IRS website scroll down and click on "View
Tax Records."
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34. Click on "GET TRANSCRIPT."
35. Select the reason as "Higher Education/
Student Aid. Then click "GO." You do NOT
need to enter a Customer File Number.
Requesting a Tax Return Transcript Online
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36. Under "Return Transcript" click the Tax Year you want to download.
• For the 2021-2022 FAFSA you should select 2019.
• For the 2022-2023 FAFSA you should select 2020.
• If you filed an Amended Tax Return you should choose "Record of Account Transcript."
• If you need W2 or 1099 information you should choose "Wage & Income Transcript."
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Requesting a Tax Return Transcript Online
37.
Your tax transcript will then pop up in a new window. The Tax Return Transcript should look like the
example below, most will be 3-5 pages or longer. You will be able to download the transcript as a pdf. Sign
out of the IRS website when you are done. Submit a copy of all pages to the Financial Aid Office. For NIU
here is how it can be submitted: https://www.niu.edu/financial-aid/help/secure.shtml
