DRT Now Available for Income-Driven Repayment Plan Applicants

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The IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) is now available to student loan holders applying for an income-driven repayment plan, the Department of Education announced last week.

According to a press release, “new encryption protections” have been added to the tool. However, the DRT will remain out-of-service for FAFSA filers until Oct. 1.

Use of the tool was suspended in March out of concern that it could be misused by identity thieves.

“To address those concerns, the tax return information that will now be transferred will be encrypted and hidden from view on the IRS Data Retrieval Tool webpage and on the online income-driven repayment plan application,” the press release noted.

Learn more about applying for an income-driven repayment plan.

Admitted writer/editor Mary Stegmeir welcomes additional comments and story ideas at mstegmeir@nacacnet.org.