You've hit that common tax season hurdle: "Where in the world is my AGI from last year?" Don't worry, you're certainly not alone! The Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from your previous year's tax return is a crucial piece of information often required to electronically file your current year's taxes, especially if you're using new tax software or the IRS needs to verify your identity.
Think of your AGI as a key. Without it, the "e-file" door might stay locked. But fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every possible way to find last year's AGI, with a special focus on TurboTax users, and what to do if you're truly stuck. Let's get started, shall we?
How to Find Last Year's AGI on TurboTax: Your Definitive Guide
Step 1: Check Your TurboTax Account – Your First and Best Bet!
If you filed with TurboTax last year, the easiest and fastest way to retrieve your AGI is directly through your TurboTax account. It's like finding a treasure map right where you left it!
Sub-heading: Accessing Your Online Account
Open Your Web Browser: Go to the official TurboTax website (
turbotax.intuit.com Sign In: Look for the "Sign In" button, usually located in the upper right-hand corner of the page.
Enter Your Credentials: Use the same username and password you used to file last year's taxes.
Forgotten Password? If you've forgotten your password, look for a "Forgot password?" or "Forgot user ID?" link. TurboTax has a recovery process that typically involves verifying your email or phone number.
Multiple Accounts? If you have multiple Intuit accounts, ensure you're logging into the one associated with your prior year's tax filing.
Navigate to "Tax Home" or "Your Tax Returns & Documents": Once logged in, you'll usually land on a "Tax Home" page or a similar dashboard. Look for a section that says "Your tax returns & documents" or "Prior Year Returns." You might need to scroll down a bit.
Select the Relevant Tax Year: You'll see a list of the tax years you've filed with TurboTax. Select the year for which you need the AGI (e.g., if you're filing 2024 taxes, you need the 2023 AGI).
Locate Your AGI:
Direct AGI View: Some versions of TurboTax might directly display your AGI on this page under the selected tax year, often labeled as "Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)."
Download/Print Return: If not directly visible, look for an option to "Download/print return (PDF)" or "View Tax Return." Click this to get a PDF copy of your filed return.
Find AGI on Form 1040: Once you have the PDF of your prior year's tax return (usually Form 1040), find Line 11. This is where your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) will be listed for tax years 2020 through 2024. For earlier years, the line number might vary:
Line 8b for 2019 Form 1040.
Line 7 for 2018 Form 1040.
For tax years before 2018, it was on Line 21 of Form 1040A or Line 4 of Form 1040EZ. Always refer to the specific form you filed.
Step 2: Utilize the TurboTax Desktop Software (CD/Download Version)
If you purchased and installed a desktop version of TurboTax (CD or download) last year, your tax data file is stored directly on your computer.
Sub-heading: Accessing Your Saved Return
Open the TurboTax Software: Launch the TurboTax software for the prior tax year on the computer you used to prepare and file your taxes.
Open Your Tax File: Go to "File" > "Open Tax Return" and navigate to where you saved your
.taxfile (e.g.,2023.tax).View Your Form 1040: Once your return is open, navigate to the "Forms" mode (if you're in "Step-by-Step" mode). Find your Form 1040.
Locate AGI on Line 11: As with the online version, your AGI will be on Line 11 of Form 1040 (for 2020-2024 returns).
Remember: TurboTax does not store online any returns completed using the desktop editions. The copy is solely on your computer.
Step 3: Get a Tax Transcript from the IRS – Your Reliable Backup Plan!
What if you didn't use TurboTax last year, or you can't access your old TurboTax account? Don't despair! The IRS has you covered with free tax transcripts. This is an official record from the IRS of your tax filing, and it will definitely have your AGI.
Sub-heading: Requesting a Transcript Online (Fastest Method)
Visit the IRS Website: Go to
IRS.gov Find "Get Your Tax Record": On the homepage, look for a prominent link or search bar. Search for "Get Your Tax Record" or "Get Transcript."
Choose "Get Transcript Online": This is the fastest method, as you can view and download your transcript immediately.
Identity Verification (Secure Access): You'll need to pass the IRS's "Secure Access" identity verification process. This typically involves:
Setting up an ID.me account (if you don't have one). This is a robust identity verification system that requires a government ID and a live selfie.
Having access to a mobile phone with a camera (for the selfie).
Having personal information readily available (e.g., a credit card, mortgage, or student loan account number linked to your name for verification questions).
Select Transcript Type: Once verified, you'll be able to choose the type of transcript. Select "Tax Return Transcript" for the relevant prior year.
Locate Your AGI: The "Tax Return Transcript" will display your AGI. Look for the line labeled "ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME." This amount is exactly what you need to enter into your tax software.
Sub-heading: Requesting a Transcript by Mail (If Online is Not Possible)
If you're unable to pass the online identity verification, you can request a tax transcript by mail.
Visit the IRS Website: Go to
IRS.gov Find "Get Your Tax Record": Search for "Get Your Tax Record" or "Get Transcript."
Choose "Get Transcript by Mail": Follow the prompts.
Provide Information: You'll need to provide your Social Security Number, date of birth, and mailing address.
Allow Time for Delivery: Be patient! Transcripts requested by mail can take 5 to 10 calendar days to arrive.
Locate AGI on Transcript: Once received, find the "ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME" line on the transcript.
Step 4: Contact Your Previous Tax Preparer (If Applicable)
If you used a tax preparer (an accountant, enrolled agent, etc.) to file your taxes last year, they are obligated to provide you with a copy of your return.
Sub-heading: Reaching Out to Your Professional
Gather Contact Information: Find the contact details for your previous tax preparer.
Request a Copy: Contact them and request a copy of your prior year's tax return. They should be able to provide you with a digital or physical copy.
Locate AGI: Once you have the copy, find Line 11 of Form 1040 (or the appropriate line for older tax years) to get your AGI.
Step 5: What if I didn't file last year or am a first-time filer?
This is an important exception!
Sub-heading: Special AGI Considerations
First-Time Filer (Over 16): If you are filing your taxes for the very first time and are over the age of 16, you should enter $0 (zero dollars) as your prior year AGI.
Did Not File Last Year: If you did not file a federal tax return in the previous year, you should also enter $0 (zero dollars) as your AGI when prompted.
Amended Return: If you amended your return last year, always use the AGI from your original tax return, not the amended one (Form 1040X). If you only have the 1040X, the AGI from your original return is found on Line 1, Column A.
Late Filing/Processing: If you filed your last year's return very late (after mid-November) or it was processed late by the IRS, sometimes entering $0 can resolve a rejection issue. However, it's always best to try and retrieve the correct AGI first.
Married Filing Jointly: If you filed jointly with your spouse last year, you both have the same AGI. Do not split the amount or enter $0 for one spouse.
Troubleshooting Common AGI Issues
Incorrect AGI Entered: If your e-filed return is rejected due to an incorrect AGI, double-check the number you entered against your records or an IRS transcript. Ensure you've rounded to the nearest dollar (round up for 50 cents or more, down for 49 cents or less).
Still Getting Rejected? If you've tried all methods and are certain your AGI is correct but your e-file is still rejected, there might be a data mismatch at the IRS's end. In such rare cases, your only option may be to print and mail your tax return to the IRS.
Importance of Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
Your AGI is more than just a number for verification. It's a fundamental figure in your tax calculation.
Determines Taxable Income: Your AGI is the starting point from which your standard or itemized deductions are subtracted to arrive at your taxable income.
Eligibility for Credits and Deductions: Many tax credits and deductions (like certain education credits, retirement contribution deductions, or medical expense deductions) have AGI limitations or phase-outs. A higher or lower AGI can significantly impact your eligibility for these benefits, directly affecting your tax liability and refund.
State Taxes: Many states use your federal AGI as a starting point for calculating your state taxable income.
Loan Applications and Financial Aid: Your AGI is often requested for various financial applications, including mortgages, student loans, and federal aid for higher education.
Knowing how to locate your AGI is a crucial skill for any taxpayer!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Retrieve My Old TurboTax Files If I Can't Log In?
If you can't log in, try the "Forgot username/password" recovery process on the TurboTax sign-in page. If that fails, your next best option is to request a tax transcript directly from the IRS (see Step 3 above).
How to Find AGI on a Tax Return Form (Line Number)?
For tax years 2020 through 2024, your AGI is found on Line 11 of IRS Form 1040, 1040-SR, and 1040-NR. For prior years, the line number varies (e.g., Line 8b for 2019, Line 7 for 2018).
How to Get a Free Tax Transcript from the IRS?
Visit IRS.gov, search for "Get Your Tax Record," and choose "Get Transcript Online" for immediate access (requires identity verification) or "Get Transcript by Mail" (takes 5-10 days).
How to Find AGI if I Filed with a Different Tax Software Last Year?
Log in to your account with that specific tax software and look for your prior year's tax return. If you can't access it, request a tax transcript from the IRS.
How to Correct an Incorrect AGI Entry in TurboTax?
If your e-file is rejected, TurboTax will prompt you to correct the AGI. Carefully re-enter the exact amount from your prior year's Form 1040 or IRS transcript, ensuring no rounding errors.
How to Know if I Need My Prior Year AGI for E-filing?
The IRS requires your prior year AGI to verify your identity when you e-file, especially if you're using new tax software. TurboTax will automatically use it if you filed with them previously and are using the same account.
How to Find AGI from an Amended Tax Return (1040X)?
If you filed an amended return (Form 1040X), you should use the AGI from your original tax return. On Form 1040X, the original AGI is typically found on Line 1, Column A.
How to Proceed if I Never Filed Taxes Before (First-Time Filer)?
If you are a first-time filer over the age of 16, you should enter $0 (zero dollars) for your prior year AGI when prompted.
How to Get a Paper Copy of My Prior Year Tax Return from the IRS?
While you can get a transcript for free, obtaining a copy of your actual tax return from the IRS requires Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, and there's usually a fee per return. This option is generally slower and more expensive than getting a transcript.
How to Avoid AGI Issues in Future Tax Filings?
Always save a PDF copy of your completed tax return on your computer and in a secure cloud storage.
Print a physical copy for your records.
If using online software, confirm you have access to your account and can download prior year returns.
