How to Find Your AGI on Your Tax Return

Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is a foundational figure on your federal income tax return. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other entities use this amount to determine eligibility for various tax credits, deductions, and government programs. Knowing how to locate your AGI is often necessary when filing subsequent tax returns, applying for financial aid, or verifying your identity for online tax services.

Locating AGI on Your Form 1040

Finding your AGI on a physical copy of your Form 1040 is straightforward. For tax years 2018 and later, your Adjusted Gross Income is consistently reported on Line 11 of Form 1040. This line is typically found near the bottom of the first page or the top of the second page. Always look for the explicit label “Adjusted Gross Income” or “AGI” to confirm you have the correct figure.

For older tax returns, the AGI line number varies. For tax years 2017 and prior, Adjusted Gross Income was generally located on Line 37 of the longer Form 1040. Refer to the specific form for the tax year in question, as the structure and line numbering of tax forms have evolved.

When utilizing tax preparation software, locating your AGI is simplified. Most tax software programs provide a summary page or generate a PDF copy of your completed tax return. On these documents, the AGI is typically clearly labeled and prominently displayed on Form 1040. You can navigate through the software’s interface or review the final PDF to quickly pinpoint this figure.

Many taxpayers keep digital copies of their filed returns within their software accounts, making it easy to access prior year information. The software often highlights this specific line or provides a direct link to it when you need to retrieve it for e-filing purposes.

Accessing Your AGI Without a Physical Return

If you do not have a physical copy of your tax return, several alternative methods exist for obtaining your AGI. The most direct approach is the Internal Revenue Service’s “Get Transcript Online” tool, available on the IRS website. This service allows you to view, print, or download various tax transcripts, including the Tax Return Transcript, which contains your AGI.

To use the “Get Transcript Online” tool, you will undergo an identity verification process. This involves providing personal information such as your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and an email address. You will also need access to a financial account number, like a loan or credit card number, and a mobile phone in your name to receive a verification code.

Once successfully verified, you can select the Tax Return Transcript for the specific tax year you need. This transcript will display your AGI, usually under the “Adjusted Gross Income” heading, allowing you to retrieve the necessary information quickly.

For those unable to use the online tool, the IRS also provides options to request a tax transcript by mail or by phone. You can call the IRS toll-free at 800-908-9946 to request a transcript be sent to your address of record within 5 to 10 calendar days. Alternatively, you can complete and mail Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, which also results in a mailed transcript within a similar timeframe.

Another option for accessing your AGI without a physical return is to check any prior year tax software accounts you may have used. Many commercial tax software providers retain copies of your filed returns in your online account for several years. Logging into your account can provide immediate access to your previously filed returns, including the AGI.