As the regular tax season approaches, one small but important detail can make or break your e-filing process: your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). This figure helps the IRS verify your identity, determines which tax credits and deductions you qualify for, and influences how much of your income is actually taxable.
Many taxpayers find themselves stuck at this step each year, wondering, “Where exactly do I find my AGI?” If that sounds familiar, you are not alone. The good news is that finding it is simpler than it seems.
At Scout Tax, we help individuals and business owners navigate these small but crucial details, making filing faster, smoother, and stress-free. Here’s everything you need to know about your AGI and why getting it right matters.
What Is Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)?
Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is your total income for the year minus certain IRS-approved deductions, also called “adjustments.” It is not your total income or your taxable income. Instead, it is the baseline number the IRS uses to calculate how much of your income will be taxed.
Your AGI includes all sources of income, such as:
- Wages and salaries
- Self-employment or freelance income
- Investment earnings and interest
- Rental income
- Unemployment benefits
From there, you subtract specific adjustments like:
- Traditional IRA or HSA contributions
- Student loan interest
- Educator expenses
- Self-employment taxes or retirement contributions
- Certain moving or alimony expenses
For example, if you earned $75,000 and contributed $5,000 to a retirement account while paying $1,000 in student loan interest, your AGI would be $69,000.
If this kind of calculation feels confusing, or if your income sources are more complex, Scout Tax can help you determine your AGI accurately and ensure you claim every possible deduction that lowers your taxable income.
Why Your AGI Matters When You E-File
When you e-file, the IRS uses your previous year’s AGI to verify your identity. Think of it as your unique digital signature. If the AGI you enter does not match what the IRS has on file, your return could be rejected.
Beyond identity verification, your AGI affects:
- Your eligibility for tax credits such as the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and education-related credits.
- The deductions you can claim, like medical expenses or charitable contributions.
- The amount of your refund or taxes owed.
In short, your AGI is more than just a number. It is a key factor in making sure you get the maximum benefit from your return.
If your situation has changed since last year, maybe you switched jobs, started a business, or earned income in multiple states, it is a smart idea to consult with Scout Tax before filing. Our experts can help ensure your AGI and other income details align correctly, reducing your risk of rejection or delay.
Where to Find Your AGI
If you filed last year, your AGI is easy to locate once you know where to look.
- On Your Prior Tax Return
- Check your previous year’s Form 1040, Line 11.
- For older tax years, it might appear on Line 8b.
- Through Your IRS Online Account
- Visit irs.gov and sign in to your online account.
- You can view your prior return or download a tax return transcript that shows your AGI.
- Using Your Tax Software
- If you filed through tax software last year, log in again.
- Most programs store your prior return, making your AGI easy to find.
- Requesting a Transcript from the IRS
- The IRS provides free tax transcripts online or by mail.
- They contain your AGI along with other essential information.
- Contacting Your Tax Preparer
- If you used a professional last year, simply ask them for your AGI.
- And if you are filing this year, Scout Tax can take care of that step for you by reviewing your previous filings and ensuring every number checks out.
What If You Did Not File Last Year?
If you did not file a tax return last year, do not worry. When e-filing this year, simply enter “0” for your AGI.
This applies if you:
- Were below the IRS filing threshold
- Were claimed as a dependent
- Are filing for the first time
If you are unsure which category applies to you, or you are new to filing, Scout Tax can guide you through the process and make sure you enter the correct information from the start.
Common AGI Mistakes to Avoid
Your AGI may seem simple, but even small errors can cause IRS rejections or delays in processing your return. Some common mistakes to avoid include:
- Using the wrong year’s AGI
- Entering your taxable income instead of your AGI
- Forgetting to include both AGIs when filing jointly
- Rounding or estimating the number instead of using the exact figure
If your return was rejected because of an AGI mismatch, Scout Tax can help you troubleshoot the issue quickly and resubmit your e-file correctly.
Estimating Your AGI If You Do Not Have It Yet
If you cannot locate last year’s return, you can estimate your AGI by starting with your total income, including wages, side jobs, investments, or freelance work, and subtracting eligible adjustments like retirement contributions or student loan interest.
While this gives you a rough idea, the IRS will always need the exact figure. That is why it is best to get help from a professional tax preparer like Scout Tax, who can access prior records and ensure your filing is accurate from the start.
Why Getting Your AGI Right Matters
Your AGI affects more than your filing status. It influences your eligibility for deductions, credits, and refund opportunities. A lower AGI could mean qualifying for more credits and deductions, while an incorrect AGI could delay your refund or trigger IRS corrections.
Every year, thousands of e-file rejections happen simply because taxpayers entered the wrong AGI. By letting Scout Tax handle your return, you eliminate the guesswork and ensure every number, from AGI to final tax owed, is accurate and verified.
File Confidently This Tax Season with Scout Tax
Your Adjusted Gross Income is the backbone of your tax return, and getting it right is essential. Whether you are a first-time filer or managing multiple income sources, Scout Tax makes the process simple and stress-free.
Our expert team can help you:
- Locate your correct AGI and avoid e-filing errors.
- Maximize deductions and credits for the biggest refund possible.
- Understand how your income affects your overall tax picture.
- File quickly, accurately, and on time
This tax season, do not just file, file smarter. Work with Scout Tax and take control of your return.
Contact Scout Tax today to get personalized help and make this your smoothest tax season yet.
