People are currently reading this guide.
Feeling that familiar pang of "Oh no, where's my AGI from last year?!" as tax season approaches? You're certainly not alone! Whether you're e-filing your current year's return, applying for financial aid, or simply need it for other financial applications, your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from a prior year is a crucial piece of information.
The good news is that the IRS provides several straightforward ways to retrieve this vital number. Forget frantic searches through old paper files; the digital age has made this process much more accessible. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each method, step-by-step, ensuring you can find your last year's AGI on the IRS website with ease.
Step 1: Identify Your Need and Prepare for Action!
Before diving into the IRS website, let's take a moment to understand why you need your AGI and what tools you might have readily available. This will help you choose the most efficient path forward.
Tip: Each paragraph has one main idea — find it.
 |
| How To Find Last Year's Agi On Irs Website |
Sub-heading: Why Do You Need Your AGI?
Your AGI is often required for:
- E-filing Your Current Year's Tax Return: This is the most common reason. The IRS uses your prior year's AGI to verify your identity when you electronically sign and submit your tax return.
- Applying for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA): Your AGI is a key component in determining your eligibility for various financial aid programs.
- Loan Applications: Mortgage lenders, personal loan providers, and other financial institutions may ask for your AGI to assess your income and ability to repay.
- Other Government Benefits or Programs: Some government programs base eligibility on your income, and AGI is often the figure used.
Sub-heading: Gather What You Have
Do you have any of the following?
Tip: Bookmark this post to revisit later.
- A copy of last year's tax return (Form 1040)? If so, you're in luck! Your AGI is typically found on Line 11 of Form 1040 (for tax years 2020-2024). For earlier years, it might be on a different line (e.g., Line 8b for 2019, Line 7 for 2018).
- Access to the tax software you used last year? Many tax software providers allow you to log in and download previous years' returns. This is often the fastest way if you used a popular service like TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct.
- The contact information for your tax preparer from last year? If you used a professional, they likely have a copy of your return on file.
If you have any of these, start there! It's usually quicker than going directly to the IRS if you don't already have an IRS online account set up. If not, don't worry, the IRS has you covered.
Step 2: Accessing Your IRS Online Account – The Easiest Digital Path
The IRS Online Account is your go-to resource for a multitude of tax-related information, including your prior year AGI. This is generally the fastest and most convenient method for retrieving your AGI directly from the IRS.
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
 |
Sub-heading: Setting Up or Logging Into Your IRS Online Account
- Navigate to the IRS Website: Open your web browser and go to the official IRS website: www.irs.gov.
- Find the "Sign In to Your Account" Link: On the homepage, look for a prominent link or button that says "Sign In" or "Your Online Account." Click on it.
- Secure Access with ID.me: The IRS uses ID.me for secure access to its online services.
- If you already have an ID.me account: Click "Sign In with ID.me" and follow the prompts to log in. You'll likely need to complete a multi-factor authentication step (e.g., a code sent to your phone).
- If you don't have an ID.me account: You'll need to create one. This involves a rigorous identity verification process to ensure your tax data remains secure. Be prepared to:
- Provide your email address and create a password.
- Verify your email address.
- Provide your Social Security Number (SSN).
- Upload images of your government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, state ID, passport).
- Take a live video selfie using your computer's webcam or phone.
- Potentially provide financial account information (like a credit card number or a loan account number – no charges will be made).
- This process can take some time, so allocate a solid 10-15 minutes, or even more if there are issues. Patience is key here!
Sub-heading: Locating Your AGI Within Your Online Account
- Dashboard Access: Once successfully logged into your IRS Online Account, you'll be on your personal dashboard.
- Find "Tax Records": Look for a section or tab labeled "Tax Records" or "View Tax Records." Click on it.
- View Key Data: Your dashboard might immediately display key data from your most recently filed tax return, including your AGI.
- Access Transcripts: If you don't see it directly, or need more detailed information, look for an option like "Get Transcript" or "View Transcripts."
- Select the "Tax Return Transcript" for the relevant year (e.g., if you need 2023 AGI, select the 2023 tax year).
- The transcript will show most line items from your original Form 1040-series tax return as filed. Locate the line for "ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME". This is your AGI!
- You can then view, print, or download this transcript for your records.
Step 3: Requesting a Tax Transcript by Mail or Phone
If you prefer not to set up an online account, or if you encounter issues with the online identity verification, you can still get your AGI by requesting a tax transcript through the mail or over the phone.
Sub-heading: Requesting by Mail via IRS.gov (Get Transcript by Mail)
- Go to IRS.gov: Start at www.irs.gov.
- Find "Get Your Tax Record": On the homepage, look for the "Get Your Tax Record" tool or search for "Get Transcript." Click on it.
- Choose "Get Transcript by Mail": You will be presented with two options: "Get Transcript Online" and "Get Transcript by Mail." Select the latter.
- Enter Your Information: You'll need to provide your:
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Date of birth.
- Street address from your latest tax return filed with the IRS.
- ZIP or postal code.
- Select Transcript Type and Year:
- For "Type of Transcript," choose "Return Transcript." This transcript shows most line items from your original tax return, including your AGI.
- Select the tax year for which you need the AGI.
- Submit Request: Follow the prompts to submit your request.
- Delivery Time: The transcript will be mailed to the address the IRS has on file for you. Allow 5 to 10 business days for delivery.
Sub-heading: Requesting by Phone
- Call the Automated Transcript Line: You can request a transcript by calling the IRS automated phone transcript service at 1-800-908-9946.
- Follow Prompts: Be prepared to provide your identifying information (SSN, date of birth, address).
- Delivery Time: Similar to online mail requests, expect the transcript to arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days.
Sub-heading: Using Form 4506-T (Request for Transcript of Tax Return)
This method is particularly useful if you need to authorize a third party (like a mortgage lender) to receive your transcript directly, or if the other methods aren't working for you.
QuickTip: Skim the first line of each paragraph.
- Download Form 4506-T: Go to IRS.gov and search for "Form 4506-T" or "Request for Transcript of Tax Return." Download the latest version of the form.
- Fill Out the Form: Carefully fill in all the required information, including:
- Your name, address, and SSN.
- The type of transcript you need ("Return Transcript").
- The tax year(s) you are requesting.
- If sending to a third party, their name and address.
- Mail or Fax the Form: Follow the instructions on the form for where to mail or fax it based on your location.
- Processing Time: Allow up to 5 to 10 days for the IRS to process your request once they receive Form 4506-T, plus mailing time.
Step 4: What to Do If You Didn't File Last Year or Your Return Wasn't Processed
Sometimes, you might not have filed a federal tax return for the previous year, or perhaps your return was filed late and hasn't been fully processed by the IRS.
Sub-heading: If You Did NOT File a Federal Tax Return Last Year
If you didn't file a federal tax return for the year in question (e.g., if your income was below the filing threshold), when asked for your prior year AGI for e-filing, you should generally enter $0 (zero).
- Exception: If you used the IRS "Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here" tool to register for an Economic Impact Payment (stimulus check) in a prior year, you might need to enter $1 as your prior year AGI. The tax software or IRS guidance will usually specify this if applicable.
Sub-heading: If Your Prior Year Return Was Recently Filed or Unprocessed
If you filed your prior year return very late in the season, or if it's still being processed by the IRS, entering your actual AGI might cause an e-file rejection. In such cases, the IRS often advises entering $0 (zero) as your prior year AGI to allow your current year's return to be accepted electronically. If you're unsure, consult the specific instructions provided by your tax software or the IRS.
Important Tips and Considerations:
- Rounding: When entering your AGI, always round to the nearest whole dollar. For amounts ending in 50 cents or more, round up. For amounts ending in 49 cents or less, round down.
- Original vs. Amended Return: If you filed an amended return for the prior year, make sure you use the AGI from your original tax return, not the amended one, for identity verification purposes.
- Joint Filers: If you filed a joint return last year, both taxpayers generally use the same joint AGI for verification, even if only one person worked.
- Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN): If you've been issued an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) by the IRS, this PIN can often be used instead of your prior year AGI for identity verification when e-filing. If you have one, use it! You can also request an IP PIN through your IRS Online Account.
- IRS Direct File: If you're using IRS Direct File (where available), the process for finding and verifying AGI might be even more streamlined within their platform.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to access my AGI if I used a tax preparer last year?
- Quick Answer: Contact your tax preparer directly. They will have a copy of your filed return and can provide you with your AGI quickly.
How to find my AGI if I used a different tax software this year?
- Quick Answer: Log in to your account with the tax software you used last year. Most major tax software providers (like TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct) allow you to view and download your prior year returns.
How to get an exact copy of my original tax return instead of just a transcript?
- Quick Answer: You need to complete and mail Form 4506, "Request for Copy of Tax Return," to the IRS. There is a fee ($43 per return as of latest info) and it can take up to 75 days for delivery.
How to check the status of my transcript request?
- Quick Answer: There isn't a direct online tool to track transcript requests made by mail or phone. You generally have to wait the specified 5-10 business days for it to arrive. If it doesn't arrive within that timeframe, you may need to re-request it or call the IRS.
How to get my AGI if I don't have a U.S. phone number or credit card for ID.me verification?
- Quick Answer: The ID.me verification process for IRS online accounts can be challenging without a U.S. phone or financial accounts. In this situation, your best option is to request a tax transcript by mail using the "Get Transcript by Mail" tool on IRS.gov or by calling the automated phone line.
How to determine which tax year's AGI I need for current year e-filing?
- Quick Answer: For e-filing your current year's tax return, you typically need the AGI from the immediately preceding tax year. For example, when filing your 2024 tax return, you'll need your 2023 AGI.
How to correct an AGI entry error if my e-filed return was rejected?
- Quick Answer: If your e-filed return is rejected due to an incorrect AGI, your tax software will provide an error code (often IND-031-04 or IND-032-04). Simply correct the AGI amount in your software based on your verified prior year AGI and re-transmit your return.
How to find my AGI if I filed a non-standard return (e.g., 1040-NR)?
- Quick Answer: Your AGI will still be found on Line 11 of Form 1040-NR (Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return) for tax years 2020 and later, similar to the standard Form 1040. You can retrieve it through an IRS tax transcript.
How to get an AGI if I'm a first-time filer over 16?
- Quick Answer: If you are filing a federal tax return for the first time and are over 16 years old, you should enter $0 (zero) as your prior year AGI when e-filing.
How to get my AGI if I'm a victim of tax-related identity theft?
- Quick Answer: If you're a victim of tax-related identity theft and need your AGI, you should call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490 to process your request. They can assist you with obtaining necessary transcripts under these circumstances.
 |
