Instructions for obtaining an IRS Return Transcript, Or IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter for the 2025-2026 Academic Year

Sep 19, 2026

Instructions for students selected for verification to obtain IRS income tax information required for FAFSA. The document explains that IRS data must be requested directly using preferred faster transcript methods, including online requests or calling the IRS, and outlines processing timeframes for electronically filed versus paper returns. It details when Form 4506-T (Rev. 6-2023) is needed, lists eligibility reasons that may block automatic retrieval, and provides alternative documentation steps plus free transcript request guidance and contact information.

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Instructions for obtaining an IRS Return Transcript or Verification of Non-Filing Letter

When and why IRS information is required for verification

Method 1: Requesting IRS data directly and processing timeframes

Option A: Requesting a copy of tax transcripts via Form 4506-T

Reasons IRS data may be ineligible automatically

Return Transcript or Verification of Non-Filing: how to request

How to request online

How to request by phone

How to request by mailing or faxing Form 4506-T

IRS general contact information

Financial Aid Office 1115 North Roberts Helena MT 59601 Phone: (406) 447-6916 Fax: (406) 447 6397 Instructions for obtaining an IRS Return Transcript, Or IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter for the 2025-2026 Academic Year If you were selected for verification and are required to provide income tax information, you must provide this information directly from the IRS. The two methods for doing this are detailed below. The first method is preferable (if you are able to use it), due to speed and ease of making the request. To use this method you must allow for processing periods, depending on how you submitted your information to the IRS. 􀁸 For electronically filed tax returns, you must wait 1 – 2 weeks after filing before your data will be available. 􀁸 For tax returns filed by paper, you must wait 6 – 8 weeks after filing before your data will be available. A. If your income tax information was ineligible to be retrieved directly from the IRS, you may request a copy of your tax transcripts via the Form 4506-T (Rev. 6-2023) ([irs.gov](irs.gov)) . B. Your tax information may not have been eligible due to one of the following reasons: a. Tax return filing status is ‘Married Filing Separately’ b. Marital status has changed since December 31, 2023 c. Are required to file, but have been granted an extension by the IRS. Submit the following: i. A copy of the 2023 form 4868 ii. A signed and dated written income statement that indicates the estimated Adjusted Gross Income and Taxes Paid for 2023. These do not need to be from an accountant or IRS Office. iii. All 2023 W2(s) . If self-employed include that information in the income statement. d. Filed a Puerto Rican or foreign tax return – you will need to submit a signed copy of your tax return. Return Transcript (or) Verification of Non-Filing Letter– If your information is ineligible to be automatically placed in the FAFSA, you must submit an IRS Tax Return Transcript from the IRS to our office. Most requests are processed within 10 days. To request: A. You may request a Return Transcript online through the IRS website by going to [http://www.irs.gov/individuals/get](http://www.irs.gov/individuals/get)transcript. You must have access to a valid email address, a text-enabled phone (no pay-as-you-go), or specific financial account numbers. Complete the required information and a Tax Transcript will be ordered. B. Call the IRS at 1-800-908-9946 (on the automated menu): a. Enter and verify your Social Security Number b. Enter in your street address number c. Select Option \#2 to request a Return Transcript d. Enter and verify the year of your needed Return Transcript (for a 2025-2026 verification, request the 2023 tax year) C. You may complete Form 4506T: Request for Transcript of Tax Return (or) Verification of Nonfiling Letter, and mail it or fax it to the address/phone number indicated on the form. To request a Return Transcript check box 6a. Requesting a Return Transcript is free of charge. You can print this form at [https://www.irs.gov/site-index-search?search=4506-](https://www.irs.gov/site-index-search?search=4506-)[T&field_pup_historical_1=1&field_pup_historical=1](T&field_pup_historical_1=1&field_pup_historical=1. In box 5b please enter your student ID number.)[. In box 5b please enter your student ID number.](T&field_pup_historical_1=1&field_pup_historical=1. In box 5b please enter your student ID number.) To contact the IRS for general questions call 1-800-829-1040 or visit [their website:](their website: www.irs.gov)[ ](their website: www.irs.gov)[www.irs.gov](their website: www.irs.gov). Updated: 10/2024

FAQs

Why must IRS return transcript or non-filing verification be submitted for FAFSA verification?

The document states that if selected for verification and required to provide income tax information, students must provide this information directly from the IRS. If information cannot be automatically placed in the FAFSA, an IRS Tax Return Transcript must be submitted to the office.

How long does it take to receive IRS transcript data for electronically filed versus paper tax returns?

For electronically filed returns, you must wait 1–2 weeks after filing. For paper-filed returns, you must wait 6–8 weeks after filing before the data will be available.

What should be submitted if IRS retrieval is ineligible under specific conditions?

If the income tax information cannot be retrieved directly from the IRS, a copy of tax transcripts may be requested via Form 4506-T. The document lists reasons such as “Married Filing Separately,” changed marital status since 12/31/2023, filing-required with an IRS extension (including copies of Form 4868, an income statement with estimated AGI and taxes paid, and 2023 W2s), or filing Puerto Rican/foreign tax returns requiring a signed copy of the return.

Sep 19, 2026

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