FAFSA data retrieval tool not importing our joint tax return - manual entry required?

Same thing happened to me! The data retrieval tool is totally hit or miss. For some reason it didn't pull my info either and I had to enter everything manually. Super annoying.

The IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) sometimes has limitations with joint returns. A few things to check: 1. Make sure the name/SSN on FAFSA EXACTLY matches your tax return (even a hyphen or middle initial difference can cause it to fail) 2. If you filed an amended return, the DRT won't work 3. If you filed less than 3 weeks ago, the IRS system might not have your return processed yet 4. Filing status doesn't usually matter, but the contributor who's listed as primary on the tax return should match who's trying to use the DRT You can manually enter the information - it won't affect your aid eligibility. Just make sure the numbers match your tax return exactly.

This is a common FAFSA problem and it's so frustrating! The DRT fails for tons of reasons they don't tell you about. I spent HOURS on hold trying to reach someone at Federal Student Aid to fix this exact problem. I finally got through using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they have this system that holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is ready. Saved me so much time! You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ. The agent explained that sometimes joint returns don't transfer correctly if the spouse listed on FAFSA isn't the primary taxpayer on the return.

THE WHOLE FAFSA SYSTEM IS BROKEN!! I've been dealing with this garbage for 3 kids now and EVERY SINGLE YEAR something goes wrong. My advice? Just manually enter everything from the beginning and skip the headache of trying to use their stupid "time-saving" tools that NEVER WORK RIGHT!!! 😤

This is actually a known issue with the 2025-2026 FAFSA. The system is supposed to identify who the primary tax filer is and match it properly, but there's been a glitch affecting some joint filers. What's happening is: 1. When you indicate "married filing jointly" on the FAFSA 2. The system should automatically detect which spouse is the primary filer on the tax return 3. But for some applications, it's failing to make this connection Manually entering the information is perfectly fine and won't affect your SAI calculation or aid eligibility. Just be very careful to enter the AGI and other values exactly as they appear on your tax return. The FSA has said they're working on a fix, but for now, manual entry is the recommended solution.

my sister had this happen and turns out she clicked something wrong way back at the beginning about her filing status. might wanna double check that part?

wait does the head of household actually matter for fafsa? i thought that was just a tax thing not a financial aid thing?

When I called about this they said sometimes the system times out when trying to connect to the IRS database. They told me to wait 24 hours and try again, and it worked the next day! Maybe give that a shot before entering everything manually?