A Step By Step Guide To Retrieving Your Adjusted Gross Income AGI From Last Year For Tax Filing

When filing your taxes electronically, one critical piece of information often required is your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from the previous year. The IRS uses this number to verify your identity and ensure that you are the legitimate filer. If you don’t have access to last year’s return, retrieving your AGI can feel like a hurdle—but it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach, you can locate or request your AGI quickly and securely.

This guide walks you through every reliable method available, including digital tools, paper records, and official IRS services. Whether you filed with a tax professional, used software, or submitted manually, the steps below will help you retrieve your AGI efficiently and accurately.

Understanding Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)

Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is your total gross income—wages, dividends, capital gains, business income, retirement distributions, and other sources—minus specific adjustments to income. These “above-the-line” deductions include educator expenses, student loan interest, IRA contributions, and self-employed health insurance payments.

Your AGI appears on Form 1040, just above line 11 in recent tax years. It determines your eligibility for many tax credits and deductions and serves as a key identifier when e-filing. Even if your current-year income has changed significantly, the IRS still requires last year’s AGI for authentication.

“Your prior-year AGI is not just a number—it’s a security checkpoint. Providing the correct figure ensures your return is processed without delays.” — IRS Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax

Step-by-Step Methods to Retrieve Your Prior-Year AGI

There are several ways to find your AGI, depending on how you filed and what records you’ve kept. Follow these steps in order of efficiency and accessibility.

1. Check Your Copy of Last Year’s Tax Return

The fastest way to find your AGI is to review your own copy of your previously filed tax return. If you saved a printed or digital version, locate Form 1040 and look for:

• Form 1040 (2023 and earlier): Line 11 – “Adjusted Gross Income”
• Form 1040-SR (for seniors): Same location—line 11
• Prior versions (e.g., 2018–2022): AGI also appears on line 8b in older formats

Tip: Search your email or cloud storage using keywords like “tax return 2022,” “Form 1040,” or “transcript” to locate digital copies.

2. Use the IRS Get Transcript Tool

If you don’t have your return, the IRS offers a free online tool called Get Transcript. This service provides immediate access to your tax transcripts, including the “Return Transcript,” which contains your AGI.

1. Visit IRS Get Transcript
2. Select “Return Transcript”
3. Enter personal information: name, SSN, date of birth, filing status
4. Verify your identity using a mobile phone or financial account details
5. View or download your transcript instantly

Note: You must have a valid U.S. mobile number and meet identity verification requirements. If you can’t pass authentication, consider requesting by mail.

3. Request a Transcript by Mail or Phone

If online access isn’t possible, you can request a transcript via phone or postal mail.

• By phone: Call the IRS at 800-908-9946 and follow automated prompts to request a transcript.
• By mail: Complete Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, and mail it to the address listed on the form.

Processing time for mailed requests is typically 5–10 business days. Once received, check the Return Transcript for the AGI line item.

4. Contact Your Tax Preparer or Software Provider

If a professional prepared your return or you used tax software (e.g., TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct), contact them directly. Most providers allow you to log in and view prior-year returns for up to seven years.

For example:

• TurboTax: Log in, go to “My Taxes,” then “Prior Years”
• H&R Block Online: Access archived returns under “Past Returns”
• Roger CPA or local preparer: Call their office; they may email or mail a copy

5. File Form 4506 for a Full Copy of Your Return

In rare cases—such as identity theft or lost documentation—you may need an actual copy of your filed return, not just a transcript. Form 4506 allows you to request a photocopy of your original Form 1040.

Important notes:

• A fee of $50 per tax year applies.
• Processing takes up to 60 days.
• Only use this option if all other methods fail.

Do’s and Don’ts When Retrieving Your AGI

Do’s	Don’ts
Use the official IRS Get Transcript tool for quick access	Share your AGI over unsecured email or phone calls
Double-check the AGI against the correct tax year	Guess your AGI if you’re unsure—this causes e-file rejection
Keep your transcript in a secure place after retrieval	Store physical copies in easily accessible or damp areas
Contact your tax preparer if you used one	Submit multiple e-file attempts with incorrect AGI

Real Example: How Sarah Retrieved Her Missing AGI

Sarah, a freelance graphic designer, switched from using a CPA to filing her taxes independently. When she tried to e-file for the current year, she couldn’t remember her AGI from 2022. She didn’t keep a digital copy, and her old laptop had crashed.

She visited the IRS Get Transcript website but failed identity verification because she recently changed her phone number. Instead of giving up, she downloaded Form 4506-T, checked the box for “Return Transcript,” signed it, and mailed it to the IRS.

Within a week, she received a transcript by mail showing her 2022 AGI: $48,210. She used this number to successfully submit her 2023 return. Her experience shows that even when online tools aren’t an option, backup methods are reliable and straightforward.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I file jointly this year but separately last year?

Your AGI is based on your individual or joint return from the prior year. If you filed jointly last year, use the AGI from that joint return—even if you're filing separately now. The IRS matches the household record.

Can I use my spouse’s AGI instead of mine?

No. Each taxpayer must enter their own prior-year AGI when e-filing. If both spouses are filing, each needs their respective AGI from the previous return. For joint filers, the same joint AGI applies to both accounts.

What happens if I enter the wrong AGI?

An incorrect AGI will result in an e-file rejection. You’ll receive a notification such as “Invalid Prior-Year AGI.” Correct the error and resubmit. Repeated mistakes may trigger additional identity verification steps.

Tip: If you’re unsure of your AGI, request a transcript before starting your e-filing process to avoid submission errors.

Final Checklist: Retrieve Your AGI in Under 30 Minutes

1. Search your email, cloud storage, or filing cabinet for last year’s tax return
2. Open Form 1040 and locate your AGI (typically line 11)
3. If unavailable, visit IRS Get Transcript and request a Return Transcript online
4. If online access fails, complete Form 4506-T and request by mail or phone
5. Contact your tax preparer or software provider for archived returns
6. Verify the AGI matches your filing status and tax year before submitting

Take Control of Your Tax Filing Process

Retrieving your prior-year AGI is a small but essential step in ensuring a smooth tax season. By understanding where to look and how to request official documentation, you eliminate guesswork and reduce the risk of filing delays. The IRS provides multiple secure channels to access your data—take advantage of them early in the filing cycle.

Whether you’re a first-time filer or managing your taxes independently for the first time, being prepared with your AGI sets the foundation for a successful submission. Don’t wait until the deadline looms. Locate your AGI now, store it securely, and start your tax preparation with confidence.

💬 Have questions about retrieving your AGI? Share your experience or ask for help in the comments—your insight could help someone else navigate the process smoothly.