Timeline of Availability of the 2018-2019 IRS Data Retrieval Tool

AVAILABILITY OF 2018-2019 IRS DRT / REQUEST FOR TAX RETURN TRANSCRIPTS

Keep in mind that an amended return or identity theft will delay access to tax information. If identity theft occurs, access to this information generally occurs 8-11 weeks after the IRS has received the tax return information; however, resolution of IRS-related identity theft can take up to 180 days.

The IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) is only available for the 2018-2019 FAFSA. It is NOT available for the 2017-2018 FAFSA.

When a tax return filer:

If tax return filed electronically:

If tax return is filed manually:

Has no amount owed to the IRS or has an expected refund at the time their tax return was submitted to the IRS
  • Generally tax returns are accepted by the IRS within a day or two of the return having been electronically filed with the IRS.
  • In most cases, IRS DRT is available and an IRS Tax Return Transcript may be requested within 2-3 weeks after the return has been accepted by the IRS.
  • Generally tax returns are accepted by the IRS when the tax return is received by the IRS.
  • In most cases, IRS DRT is available and an IRS Tax Return Transcript may be requested within 6-8 weeks after the tax return has been accepted by the IRS.

Has an amount owed to the IRS and makes a full payment on that amount at the time their tax return was submitted to the IRS
  • Generally tax returns are accepted by the IRS within a day or two of the return having been electronically filedwith the IRS.
  • In most cases, IRS DRT is available and an IRS Tax Return Transcript may be requested within 2-3 weeks after the return has been accepted by the IRS.
  • IRS will process the tax return in June.
  • In most cases, IRS DRT is available and an IRS Tax Return Transcript may be requested within 2-3 weeks after the tax return has been processed by the IRS.

Has an amount owed and subsequent to submitting their tax return to the IRS, pays the full amount due
  • Generally tax returns are accepted by the IRS within a day or two of the return having been electronically filed with the IRS.
  • In most cases, IRS DRT is available and an IRS Tax Return Transcript may be requested within 2-3 weeks after the return has been accepted by the IRS.
  • IRS will process the tax return in June.
  • In most cases, IRS DRT is available and an IRS Tax Return Transcript may be requested within 2-3 weeks after the tax return has been processed by the IRS.

At the time their tax return was submitted to the IRS, has an amount owed and has not paid in full.
  • Generally tax returns are accepted by the IRS within a day or two of the return having been electronically filed with the IRS. However, IRS will not process the return until May.
  • In most cases, IRS DRT is available and an IRS Tax Return Transcript may be requested within 2-3 weeks after the return has been processed in May.
  • IRS will process the tax return in June.
  • In most cases, IRS DRT is available and an IRS Tax Return Transcript may be requested within 2-3 weeks after the tax return has been processed by the IRS.

Tax Filers can expect to receive their IRS Transcript:

If requested online: 5-10 business days after request submitted

If requested by phone: 5-10 business days after request submitted

If requested by paper*: 30 calendar days from the time the IRS receives and process the signed request.

*(IRS Form 4506-T or IRS Form 4506T-EZ)