How long does FAFSA data import take? Mine's been stuck for days
I started my 2025-2026 FAFSA application last Thursday and used the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to import my tax info, but it's STILL showing as 'processing' after 5 days! The status hasn't changed at all. Is this normal? The studentaid.gov website says it should only take 1-2 days but I'm getting anxious because my school's priority deadline is coming up in 3 weeks. Has anyone else experienced super long processing times for the IRS data import? Should I just manually enter my tax info instead of waiting?
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Anastasia Ivanova
mine was stuck for like 8 days!!! so frustrating. i ended up just entering everything manually from my tax forms. the whole 'streamlined' process is such a joke lol
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Diego Flores
•8 days?! That's ridiculous. Did you have any issues after manually entering your info instead of using the import tool?
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Sean Murphy
The IRS Data Retrieval Tool processing times have been significantly longer this year due to system upgrades. While it normally takes 1-2 days, many applicants are experiencing 4-7 day processing times currently. If your school's priority deadline is in 3 weeks, I'd suggest waiting another 2 days before manually entering your information. When you manually enter data, it increases the chances of being selected for verification, which can delay your aid package by several weeks.
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Diego Flores
•Thank you for explaining! I'll wait the 2 more days you suggested. I definitely want to avoid verification if possible.
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StarStrider
•This happened to me too! I was freaking out but it finally went through after 6 days. Hang in there!
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Zara Malik
The whole FAFSA system is GARBAGE this year! My tax info has been "processing" for TWO WEEKS now. Called FSA 4 times and got disconnected EVERY TIME before speaking to anyone. They clearly don't want us to get financial aid!!! This is beyond ridiculous.
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Luca Marino
•mine took 9 days but finally went through. keep trying
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Diego Flores
•Two weeks?! That's insane! Have you tried manually entering your info instead?
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Nia Davis
Data import times vary based on several factors: 1. IRS system maintenance (typically weekends) 2. High volume periods (Jan-Mar is peak FAFSA season) 3. Complexity of your tax return 4. First-time vs returning FAFSA applicants For priority deadlines, I recommend allowing up to 10 days for processing. If it hasn't imported by then, manually enter your information using your tax return (Form 1040 and all schedules). Just be extremely careful with manual entry - any discrepancies can trigger verification. If you've amended your tax return or have complex tax situations (multiple jobs, business income, etc.), the import process often takes longer.
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Diego Flores
•Thanks for the detailed explanation! I do have a somewhat complex return with some freelance income, so maybe that's why it's taking longer.
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Mateo Perez
After trying for a week to get my tax data imported (kept getting errors!), I finally gave up and called Federal Student Aid to find out what was going on. Was on hold for like 2 hours before I got disconnected - TWICE! Then I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual FSA agent in about 15 minutes. They checked my account and said there was an issue with how my SSN was formatted in their system that was blocking the import. The agent fixed it right away and my import started working! Saved me so much stress. If you need to actually talk to someone at FSA, check out their video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ or go to claimyr.com
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Zara Malik
•Does this ACTUALLY work?? I've been trying to get someone on the phone for DAYS!
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Mateo Perez
•It worked for me! Got through to an agent who actually fixed the problem instead of wasting more days waiting. Worth it for the peace of mind, especially if you're up against a deadline.
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Nia Davis
One more thing to check - make sure your name, SSN, and DOB on your FAFSA application EXACTLY match what's on your tax return. Even small discrepancies (like using a nickname instead of legal name) can delay the data import process. Check your FSA ID information too, as that needs to align with both your tax return and FAFSA application.
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Diego Flores
•That's a good point. I did double-check all that information, but I'll verify one more time to be sure everything matches exactly.
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Luca Marino
my frend said she just entered stuff manually, got her SAI score back in like 3 days! maybe dont wait?
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Sean Murphy
•While manual entry can be faster initially, it significantly increases your chances of being selected for verification. If that happens, you'd need to submit additional documentation and your final aid package could be delayed by 3-6 weeks. Using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, despite taking longer upfront, typically results in fewer verification selections and faster final processing.
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StarStrider
My daughter started her application on Monday and the tax info imported Tuesday evening, so less than 48 hours. Maybe it depends on how busy their systems are?
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Zara Malik
•That's because the system is TOTALLY RANDOM and treats everyone differently!! Some people get quick processing while others get stuck in limbo for WEEKS!
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Nia Davis
•It's actually not random. The IRS processes data imports in batches. Simple returns during off-peak hours typically process faster. Complex returns with schedules, amendments, or identity verification flags take longer, especially during peak periods (January-March).
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Diego Flores
UPDATE: My tax info FINALLY imported this morning! Took exactly 7 days. Now working on finishing the rest of my application. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!
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Sean Murphy
•Great news! Be sure to review all the imported data carefully before submitting. Occasionally the import can miss certain fields. Once submitted, save your confirmation number and check your SAI score when it becomes available (usually within 3-5 days).
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StarStrider
•So glad it worked out! Good luck with your financial aid!
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Mae Bennett
This is such a relief to read! I'm currently on day 4 of waiting for my tax data to import and was starting to panic. Seeing that it took Diego 7 days and others have experienced similar delays makes me feel better about waiting it out instead of rushing to manual entry. The verification risk that Sean mentioned is definitely something I want to avoid if possible. Thanks for sharing your experience - it really helps to know this is more common than the official timelines suggest!
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Miguel Castro
•Totally understand that panic feeling! I went through the exact same thing last year - kept refreshing the page every few hours expecting it to magically update. The waiting is honestly the worst part, especially when you see those optimistic "1-2 days" estimates everywhere. But like everyone's saying, it really does seem like 5-7 days is more realistic this year. At least you're still well ahead of your deadline! Hang in there!
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Evelyn Xu
I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Started my FAFSA on Sunday and it's been showing "processing" for 4 days now. Reading through all these comments is actually really reassuring - sounds like 5-7 days is pretty normal this year despite what the official site says. I was getting ready to panic and manually enter everything, but after seeing the verification risks that Sean mentioned, I think I'll wait it out a few more days. Diego, so glad yours finally went through! Gives me hope that mine will process soon too.
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