Your AGI is on line 11 of Form 1040

Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) appears on line 11 of the main federal tax form, Form 1040. It is the number you get after you add up all your income for the year and subtract certain deductions — things like educator expenses, student loan interest, or contributions to a traditional IRA. The IRS uses your AGI to determine which tax credits you may be able to claim and whether certain deductions are available to you.

If you filed electronically, your tax software will show you the AGI clearly, usually highlighted or in a summary section. If you filed on paper, look at the first page of your Form 1040, in the middle-right area where the numbered lines are. Line 11 is labeled "Adjusted Gross Income" and will have a dollar amount next to it.

Your AGI is different from your total income and different from your taxable income. Total income is everything you earned before any deductions. Your AGI is what remains after you subtract above-the-line deductions. Your taxable income comes later, after you subtract either the standard deduction or itemized deductions.

Key Takeaways

  • AGI appears on line 11 of Form 1040, the main federal income tax form you file each year.
  • If you used tax software or had a professional prepare your return, the AGI is usually shown in a summary or highlighted section of your documents.
  • Your AGI is used by the IRS to determine whether you can claim certain tax credits and deductions based on income limits.
  • You can also find your AGI on your IRS account online through IRS.gov if you need to verify it after filing.

Finding AGI on different tax forms

Most people file Form 1040, but some file other forms depending on their situation. If you filed Form 1040-SR (for people 65 and older), your AGI is also on line 11. If you filed Form 1040-NR (for nonresidents), AGI appears on line 11 as well.

If you filed a state tax return in addition to your federal return, your state form may use a different line number for AGI or may call it something slightly different. Check your state's tax form instructions or contact your state tax authority if you need to locate it on a state return.

Locating AGI if you filed electronically

When you file through tax software like TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct, the program generates a PDF copy of your return. Open that PDF and look for a summary page or the first page of Form 1040. Line 11 will show your AGI. Most software also displays AGI in a results or summary screen before you submit, so you can note it at that time.

If you had a tax professional prepare your return, they should have given you a copy of the complete return, including Form 1040. The AGI is on line 11 of that form. If you no longer have the copy, contact the preparer and ask them to send you a duplicate.

Checking your AGI through your IRS account

You can view your AGI online through the IRS website without needing to dig through old paperwork. Go to IRS.gov and select "View your tax account" or "Get transcript." You will need to create or log into an IRS account using your Social Security number, date of birth, and address.

Once logged in, you can view your "Account Transcript," which shows your AGI for the year you select. This transcript is also useful if you need to prove your income to a lender, school, or government program — many organizations accept the IRS transcript as official proof instead of asking you to provide a copy of your return.

Why you need to know your AGI

Your AGI determines whether you can claim certain tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit. It also affects whether you can deduct student loan interest, make contributions to a Roth IRA, or claim certain education credits. Many government programs also ask for your AGI when you explore, because they use it to set income limits for information.

If you are filing a return for a past year or amending a return, you will need your AGI from the original return. The IRS asks for it as a security measure when you file amendments or request transcripts online.

What to do if you cannot find your AGI

If you cannot locate your copy of Form 1040 and do not have access to your tax software account, the fastest option is to log into your IRS account online and view your transcript. If you do not have an IRS account set up, you can create one in a few minutes using your Social Security number and other identifying information.

If you filed through a tax professional and cannot reach them, you can also contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 (the main IRS phone line). Have your Social Security number and the tax year in question ready. The IRS can tell you your AGI over the phone, though wait times can be long during tax season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AGI the same as my total income?

No. Total income includes all money you earned — wages, interest, dividends, self-employment income, and other sources. AGI is what remains after you subtract certain deductions like educator expenses or traditional IRA contributions. Your taxable income comes even later, after you subtract the standard deduction or itemized deductions.

Can I use my AGI from last year if I need it this year?

No. Each year has its own AGI based on that year's income and deductions. If you need your AGI for a current process or form, use the AGI from the most recent tax return you filed. If the process asks for a specific year, use the AGI from that year.

What if my AGI on my return does not match what a government program is showing?

Contact the program first to ask which year's AGI they are using and where they got their information. If there is a discrepancy, you may need to provide a copy of your tax return or an IRS transcript to clarify. Do not assume one source is wrong without checking both.

Do I need to report my AGI when I file a state tax return?

Most states use your federal AGI as a starting point for calculating state income tax, but you should follow your state's form instructions. Some states ask you to enter your federal AGI directly; others calculate their own version. Check your state tax form or your state's tax authority website for specific guidance.