Navigating your taxes can sometimes feel like solving a complex puzzle, but knowing where to find key figures like your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is crucial, especially when using a tool like TurboTax. Whether you're trying to verify your identity for e-filing this year's return or just need to reference past information, locating your AGI is a common task.
Ready to demystify your tax documents and pinpoint that AGI? Let's get started!
How Do I Find My Adjusted Gross Income on TurboTax? A Step-by-Step Guide
Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is a fundamental number on your tax return. It's your gross income minus certain "above-the-line" deductions, and it plays a significant role in determining your eligibility for various tax credits and deductions. For e-filing, the IRS often uses your prior year's AGI as a form of identity verification.
Here's how to find your AGI using TurboTax, whether you're working on your current return or need to access a previous one.
Step 1: Identify Your Current Situation
Before we dive into the specifics, consider why you need your AGI. Are you:
A. Working on your current year's tax return in TurboTax and want to see your calculated AGI before filing?
B. Trying to find your prior year's AGI to e-file your current return?
C. Looking for a past AGI for another reason (e.g., loan application, financial planning)?
Your answer will guide you to the correct method. Let's proceed!
Step 2: Finding Your AGI for the Current Tax Year in TurboTax (Before Filing)
If you're actively preparing your taxes in TurboTax and want to see what your AGI is shaping up to be, here's how:
Sub-heading 2.1: Accessing Your Tax Summary
Log in to your TurboTax account. Make sure you're in the tax year you're currently working on.
On the left-hand side menu (or top menu depending on your TurboTax version), look for "Tax Tools" or a similar option.
Click on "Tax Tools".
From the dropdown menu that appears, select "Tools".
Another menu will pop up. Choose "View Tax Summary".
Sub-heading 2.2: Previewing Your Form 1040
Once you're in the "Tax Summary" section, you should see an option on the left-hand side, often labeled "Preview my 1040". Click on this.
TurboTax will generate a preview of your Form 1040, the main U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
Scroll down to Line 11 of Form 1040. This is where your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) will be clearly displayed for the current tax year.
Remember: This AGI is a dynamic number that changes as you enter more information into your tax return. It's your AGI up to that point in your tax preparation.
Step 3: Locating Your AGI from a Prior Tax Year in TurboTax
This is often needed when e-filing your current year's return, as the IRS uses your previous year's AGI for identity verification.
Sub-heading 3.1: Accessing Your Prior Year Returns Online
Go to the TurboTax website and sign in to the same account you used to file your previous year's return. This is crucial as your past returns are linked to your specific account.
URL Tip: The general login page is often
myturbotax.intuit.com.
Once logged in, look for a section like "Your tax returns & documents" or "Tax Home."
You should see a list of tax years. Select the specific prior year for which you need the AGI (e.g., if you're filing 2024 taxes, you'll need your 2023 AGI).
Within that year's section, look for an option to "Download/print return (PDF)" or "View adjusted gross income (AGI)." If the latter is available, it's the quickest way!
Sub-heading 3.2: Finding AGI on the PDF of Your Prior Year Return
If you downloaded the PDF of your prior year's return, open the PDF document.
Navigate to the first page of your Form 1040.
Locate Line 11. The amount listed on this line is your Adjusted Gross Income for that particular tax year.
Important Note: If you filed a joint return, the AGI is the same for both filers.
Sub-heading 3.3: What if I Can't Find My Prior Year Return in TurboTax?
Sometimes, things happen. Maybe you used a different account, or a different tax software, or you simply can't find the old return. Don't panic! You have other options:
Check a physical copy: Did you print and save a copy of your return? If so, check Line 11 on your Form 1040.
Request a Tax Transcript from the IRS: This is a free service provided by the IRS and is an official way to get your AGI.
Go to IRS.gov and search for "Get Transcript."
You can choose to get a transcript online (requires identity verification, often through ID.me) or have one mailed to you.
Once you have the transcript, look for "ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME" near the middle of the first page of the Account Transcript. This is the number you need.
Caution: If your prior year's return was rejected, or if you mailed a paper return, the IRS might not have your AGI on file for e-filing purposes. In such cases, you might be instructed to enter $0 (zero) as your prior year AGI when attempting to e-file.
Step 4: Entering Your AGI for E-filing (If Applicable)
When you're ready to e-file your current year's return, TurboTax will prompt you to enter your prior year's AGI for verification.
Sub-heading 4.1: The E-file Verification Screen
As you progress through the "File" section of TurboTax, you'll reach a screen that asks for your "Prior Year AGI" or "Last Year's AGI."
Carefully enter the AGI amount you found from your prior year's Form 1040 (Line 11) or your IRS tax transcript.
Double-check for accuracy! Even a small typo can lead to your e-file being rejected. Ensure you're entering the exact amount, rounded to the nearest whole dollar (no cents).
Sub-heading 4.2: Troubleshooting AGI Rejections
If your e-file is rejected due to an incorrect AGI, don't worry. This is a common issue.
Verify the source: Did you pull the AGI from your original filed return, not an amended one?
Check for typos: Re-enter the AGI, paying close attention to each digit.
Try $0: If you're certain you're using the correct AGI and it's still being rejected, or if you mailed your prior year's return, try entering $0 as your AGI.
Request an IRS Transcript: As mentioned in Step 3.3, getting an official transcript directly from the IRS is the most reliable way to confirm your AGI.
Print and Mail: If all else fails and you can't get your e-file accepted, your final option is to print your return, sign it, and mail it to the IRS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about AGI and TurboTax
Here are 10 common questions related to finding your AGI on TurboTax, along with quick answers:
How to: Find my AGI if I used a different tax preparer last year?
You'll need to contact that tax preparer for a copy of your tax return, or request a tax transcript directly from the IRS.
How to: Get my AGI if I filed a paper return last year?
For e-filing this year, you might need to enter $0 (zero) as your prior year AGI if the IRS doesn't have an electronic record. Alternatively, you can request an IRS tax transcript.
How to: Find AGI if I amended my tax return last year?
Always use the AGI from your original tax return, not the amended one, for e-filing verification.
How to: Correct an AGI entry if my e-file was rejected?
Log back into TurboTax, navigate to the "File" section, and you should be prompted to correct the AGI. Carefully re-enter the correct amount from your prior year's Form 1040 Line 11 or IRS transcript.
How to: Get an IRS tax transcript?
Visit IRS.gov, search for "Get Transcript," and follow the instructions to either view/download online or have one mailed to you.
How to: Interpret Line 11 on Form 1040?
Line 11 on Form 1040 is specifically designated for your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for the corresponding tax year.
How to: Know if my AGI automatically transferred in TurboTax?
If you used the same TurboTax account to file last year, your AGI often transfers automatically. However, it's always wise to verify it on the e-file screen.
How to: Understand why AGI is important for e-filing?
The IRS uses your prior year's AGI as a security measure to verify your identity when you electronically file your tax return.
How to: Find AGI if I'm a first-time filer over 16?
If you are a first-time filer over the age of 16, you should enter $0 (zero) for your prior year AGI.
How to: Contact TurboTax support for AGI issues?
You can visit the TurboTax Support website (ttlc.intuit.com) and search their FAQs, or access their customer support options directly through your account.
