Where can I find my prior-year AGI?

1. Check your prior-year Form 1040

The IRS says AGI is on line 11 of Form 1040. Use the AGI from the originally filed prior-year federal return for e-file authentication.

Do not confuse AGI with:

• total income,
• taxable income,
• refund amount,
• current-year AGI, or
• the AGI from an amended return.

2. Check the tax software you used last year

If you used the same tax preparation software last year, the IRS notes that the software will often have the prior-year return available for you to view. If you changed software, you may still be able to sign in to the prior provider and access the earlier return.

3. Ask your prior tax preparer

If a paid preparer filed the prior-year return, ask that preparer for a copy of the return. The IRS lists the prior preparer as one of the normal ways to retrieve the AGI.

4. Use IRS Individual Online Account

The IRS says you can sign in to Individual Online Account and select the desired tax year under Records and Status to view prior-year AGI.

The IRS describes Online Account as the fastest and easiest self-service method for viewing tax records, including prior-year AGI.

5. Get an IRS tax return transcript

If you cannot access the original return, request a Tax Return Transcript. The IRS says the transcript shows the AGI reported on the return.

You can:

• view or download transcripts through IRS Online Account,
• use Get Transcript by Mail, or
• call the automated transcript line at 800-908-9946.

For e-file authentication, use the transcript's Adjusted Gross Income line entry.

What if the AGI on my transcript is different from what I remember?

For authentication, follow the IRS prior-year AGI rules rather than memory or an estimate. Also make sure you are using the correct tax year and the original return rather than an amended amount.

What if I filed an amended return?

Use the AGI from the originally filed prior-year return. IRS guidance says not to use the revised AGI from Form 1040-X or an IRS math-error correction for e-file authentication.

What if my prior-year return is still processing?

The IRS says taxpayers waiting on a prior-year return to be processed may need to enter 0 for prior-year AGI authentication. Confirm that the rule applies before changing the number.

Read: Should I Enter Zero for Prior-Year AGI? →

What if I cannot find my prior-year AGI anywhere?

Do not guess. Use IRS Online Account or request a tax return transcript. If your return is already rejecting and you are unsure which authentication rule applies, review the exact reject code before resubmitting.

What if the AGI I found still gets rejected?

A correct-looking AGI can still reject because of the wrong year, wrong taxpayer, an unprocessed prior-year return, amended-return information or a PIN issue.

Read: Why Is My AGI Being Rejected? →

Common questions

Can I find prior-year AGI in IRS Online Account?

Yes. The IRS says prior-year AGI is available through Individual Online Account under the tax records area.

Can I use a transcript to find my AGI?

Yes. Use a Tax Return Transcript and look for the Adjusted Gross Income line entry.

How long does a transcript by mail take?

The IRS says Get Transcript by Mail generally takes about five to 10 calendar days for delivery.

Can RefundIQ help me find the right AGI and file the return?

Yes. RefundIQ can help review the rejection, identify the verification issue, prepare or correct the return, and help retransmit it for IRS acceptance.

Go to the RefundIQ AGI Rejection Help Center →

What AGI do I use to e-file? →

IND-031-04 guide →