Requesting a Tax Return Transcript Online

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".
3. If you already 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".
6. Click on "Continue" and the IRS will send you an email with a confirmation code.
7. Enter the six digit code in space provided then click on "Continue."
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 an activation link through Text or Email. Then click "Continue".
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."
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 then click "Continue."
14. You can then choose to "Generate a recovery" code or click "Continue."
15. Choose which option you want to use to verify your identity (uploading photos of license or state ID, or passport, or passport card), then click "Start now."
16. Read the consent policy, agree to the terms, then click "Continue."
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 (front or back of ID) to begin.
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.
22. Once everything is uploaded click "Continue." The ID will be checked for authenticity.
23. On the next screen click "Take a video selfie."
24. Click on "Start."
25. Click "Scan my face."
26. Click on "Allow."
27. Allow the IRS a few moments to process, analyze, and compare your information.
28. Enter your phone number and then click "Continue."
29. Enter your Social Security Number and then click "Continue."
30. Review the information for accuracy. Check the box indicating the information is correct and that you accept the use of data to verify your identity, then click "Yes."
31. Click on "Allow."
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."
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.
36. Under "Return Transcript" click the Tax Year you want to download.
    • For the 2025-2026 FAFSA you should select 2023.
    • For the 2026-2027 FAFSA you should select 2024.
    • 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."
37. Your tax transcript will then pop up in a new window. 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 NIU Financial Aid Office.