If you’ve ever tried to access your tax information on the IRS website and found yourself blocked, you’re not alone. One of the most common reasons for this is an incorrect Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). The IRS uses your prior-year AGI as a form of identity verification, and if the number you enter doesn’t match their records, you won’t be able to proceed. This guide will explain what AGI is, why it matters, and exactly how to find it.
What is AGI and Why Does It Block Your Access?
Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is a key figure on your tax return. In simple terms, as defined by the IRS, it is your total gross income from all sources minus specific “above-the-line” deductions. Gross income includes wages, salaries, tips, interest, dividends, and other income. The deductions that reduce your gross income to arrive at your AGI include items such as educator expenses, student loan interest, and IRA contributions.
The IRS uses your AGI from the previous tax year as a security “password” to verify your identity when you attempt to e-file a new return or access certain online services. This is a critical security measure designed to prevent fraudsters from filing a return in your name. If the AGI you enter does not match the AGI the IRS has on file for you, you will be denied access.
Where to Find Your AGI on Paper (Form 1040)
The fastest way to find your AGI is to look at your tax return from the previous year. Your AGI is located on Line 11 of Form 1040.
If you have a copy of your return, simply locate this line, and you will have the number you need.
Special Situations
There are a few special situations to be aware of:
- First-time filers: If you have never filed a federal tax return before, your prior-year AGI is $0. Enter zero when prompted.
- Married Filing Jointly: If you and your spouse filed a joint return last year, you must use the combined AGI from that joint return, even if you are filing separately this year.
The Digital Solution: “I Lost My Tax Return, Now What?”
If you don’t have a copy of your prior-year tax return, don’t panic. The IRS provides a way for you to retrieve your tax information online through a service called “Get Transcript”. This is the most valuable solution for anyone who has lost their documents.
Here is a step-by-step guide to downloading your tax transcript:
- Go to the IRS “Get Transcript” page: Navigate to the official Get Transcript page on irs.gov.
- Click “Get Transcript Online”: This is the fastest method. There is also an option to request a transcript by mail, but this takes 5-10 business days.
- Create or sign in to your account with ID.me: The IRS uses ID.me, a trusted third-party identity verification service, to confirm your identity. This process can be complex, but it is a necessary security measure to protect your sensitive tax information.
- Download the “Return Transcript”: Once logged in, you will be able to access your tax records. Select the “Return Transcript” for the appropriate tax year and look for the line that says “Adjusted Gross Income.”
Understanding the Different Types of Tax Transcripts
The IRS offers several types of transcripts. For the purpose of finding your AGI, the Return Transcript is the correct choice as it shows most line items from your original tax return.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Now that you have successfully located your AGI, you are ready to proceed with accessing the IRS services you need.
Now that you have your AGI, you can go back to the tracking tool. [Click here to return to the Federal Tracking Guide].
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. All content is based on public official information from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and State Revenue Departments. We are not financial advisors, accountants, or lawyers. For specific cases, consult a licensed professional or official government channels (.gov).
References
[1] Internal Revenue Service. “Definition of Adjusted Gross Income.” https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/definition-of-adjusted-gross-income
[2] Internal Revenue Service. “About Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.” https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040
[3] Internal Revenue Service. “Get your tax records and transcripts.” https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript