The IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) has been deactivated until further notice. Yes, we’re sad about it. Sad enough to want sad trombone music.

Citing data security concerns, the U.S. Department of Education and the IRS have disabled the DRT until additional security measures can be put into place. The outage is expected to last until October when the 2018-2019 FAFSA becomes available. But does that mean the FAFSA is now harder to file? Well, maybe not.

While the DRT can make filing the FAFSA easier it is certainly not required. Instead, simply enter your 2015 tax information into the FAFSA manually using a copy of your tax return, and don’t wait until the DRT becomes available again to file.

For many students this is the only time your tax records will be needed, but for the (“lucky?”) students selected for verification, our office may still need your 2015 tax transcript, as well as your parents’ if their information is on the FAFSA. If that’s the case you can use any of the options below to obtain this information. PRO TIP: Downloading a copy is quickest.

1. Download tax information at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript
2. Request information be mailed at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript
3. Submit IRS Form 4506-T to the IRS
4. Call the IRS Transcript Request Line (toll-free): 1-800-908-9946
5. Schedule an appointment with a local IRS office. Long wait times are expected, so consider one of the previously mentioned options first.

Springfield, MO IRS Office

844-545-5640

2937 S. Claremont Ave, Bldg A

Springfield, MO 65804

That we know of, MSU’s records always have been and remain secure, and anybody affected by a possible IRS data breach will be contacted by the IRS directly.

As always, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid if you have questions. (417) 836-5262, or FinancialAid@MissouriState.edu.

~OSFA