Contributed by: Diana, FreeTaxUSA Agent
Are you planning to e-file your tax return?
When e-filing your tax return, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires the prior tax year’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). This information is necessary for identity verification and to make sure your return is processed correctly.
What is AGI and why do I need it to file my tax return?
In general, AGI is your total income minus certain adjustments, usually from Schedule 1. The IRS has more information here: Adjusted gross income | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)
To find your prior year AGI, follow these steps
- Get a copy of last year’s tax return. You can use the printed or electronic version.
- Find the line that reads, “adjusted gross income.” On Form 1040 for 2023, the AGI is on line 11.
The Taxpayer Advocate Service has a webpage about how to read and understand IRS transcripts. Note the adjusted gross income (AGI) on this example of a transcript.
Where to find your AGI in FreeTaxUSA, if you filed with the same account last year
You can also get the prior year’s AGI in your FreeTaxUSA account by following this menu path: Account > Prior Returns > Select the prior year to view.
Typically, if you filed a prior year return in the same FreeTaxUSA account, your prior year AGI will automatically show for you. In this example, it shows $0.
A few tips
- Use $0 as your AGI if the following apply:
- ITIN (Individual Tax Identification Number) was used in the prior year, and you are using an SSN in the current year.
- You didn’t file a prior year return.
- The IRS has not processed the prior year return yet, or you mailed the return.
- You filed the prior year return after November 10th.
- If you have recently married and are filing jointly, you should provide the AGI from your own prior year’s return, as well as your spouse’s AGI from their prior year’s return.
