How Do I Find My AGI on My Tax Return?

Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is a fundamental figure on a tax return, representing a taxpayer’s gross income less specific deductions. This calculation plays a central role in determining eligibility for various tax credits and deductions, influencing a taxpayer’s overall tax liability. Beyond tax calculations, AGI frequently serves as a reference point for other financial activities, such as qualifying for certain loans or determining eligibility for student financial aid.

Finding AGI on Your Most Recent Tax Return

Locating your Adjusted Gross Income on your most recent tax return is a straightforward process, typically found on IRS Form 1040. For the 2020 through 2024 tax years, AGI is reported on Line 11 of Form 1040. This line is consistently placed on the main page of the form.

When navigating a digital copy of your tax return, you can use search functions (Ctrl+F or Command+F) to quickly find “Line 11” or “Adjusted Gross Income.” On a physical copy, visually scan the left column of the first page of Form 1040 for Line 11. The amount listed next to this line is your AGI for that tax year. This specific line number is generally consistent across Form 1040, Form 1040-SR, and Form 1040-NR for these recent tax periods.

Retrieving AGI from Prior Year Tax Returns

Accessing your AGI from prior tax years depends on whether you retained personal copies. If you have copies, find the AGI on the same line as your most recent return (Line 11 of Form 1040 for tax years 2020-2024). For earlier years, the line number may vary, such as Line 8b for 2019 or Line 7 for 2018, so it is helpful to check the specific form for that year.

If personal copies are unavailable, you can obtain your AGI directly from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by requesting a tax transcript. The most efficient way is the IRS “Get Transcript Online” tool, which allows immediate viewing, printing, or downloading of your Tax Return Transcript. This transcript provides most line items from your original Form 1040-series tax return, including your AGI. You will need to verify your identity by providing personal details like your Social Security Number, date of birth, and a financial account number.

Alternatively, you can request a tax transcript by mail or phone. To request by mail, visit the IRS “Get Transcript” page, select “Get Transcript by Mail,” and provide the necessary personal information. The transcript typically arrives within 5 to 10 calendar days. For phone requests, you can call the IRS automated phone transcript service, and a transcript will be mailed to you within a similar timeframe. Another option is to mail in Form 4506-T, “Request for Transcript of Tax Return,” which also typically processes within 10 business days.

What AGI Represents

Adjusted Gross Income is a key calculation in the tax system, representing your total gross income with specific reductions. This figure is derived by taking all income sources (e.g., wages, interest, dividends, business income) and subtracting certain “above-the-line” deductions.

These deductions are subtracted from gross income before arriving at AGI, regardless of whether you itemize or claim the standard deduction. Common “above-the-line” deductions include contributions to traditional IRAs, student loan interest, and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Other adjustments can include educator expenses, one-half of self-employment taxes, and penalties for early withdrawal of savings.

AGI forms the basis for calculating your taxable income and determining eligibility for numerous tax benefits, including various tax credits and other deductions.