Your AGI appears on line 11 of Form 1040, and also on line 21 of your state tax return if you file one

Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is your total income minus certain deductions the IRS allows. On the federal return you file with the IRS, it sits on line 11 of Form 1040. If you file a state return, your state's version of AGI usually appears on line 21 of that form, though some states call it something slightly different or place it elsewhere.

The location matters because you need your AGI for other financial tasks: claiming tax credits, determining if you can contribute to certain retirement accounts, or checking whether you meet income limits for information programs. If you filed electronically, you can find it on the PDF copy the IRS sent you, or by logging into your IRS account online.

If you filed on paper and no longer have your return, you can request a transcript from the IRS that shows your AGI. The IRS calls this a "Tax Return Transcript" and you can order it free through IRS.gov, by phone at 1-800-908-9946, or by mail using Form 4506-C.

Key Takeaways

  • AGI is on line 11 of Form 1040 for your federal tax return, found in the income section near the bottom of page 1.
  • Your state tax return shows AGI on line 21 in most states, though the exact line number varies by state.
  • If you filed electronically, check the PDF copy the IRS emailed you or log into your IRS account at IRS.gov.
  • If you no longer have your return, you can order a free Tax Return Transcript from the IRS that includes your AGI.

How AGI is calculated on your return

Your AGI starts with your total income from all sources: wages, self-employment income, interest, dividends, capital gains, and other income. This total appears on line 9 of Form 1040.

From that total, you subtract certain deductions the IRS allows. These are called "above-the-line" deductions and include things like educator expenses, student loan interest, and contributions to a traditional IRA or SEP-IRA. These deductions are listed on lines 10a through 10f of Form 1040.

The result — total income minus those deductions — is your AGI on line 11. This is different from your taxable income, which comes later after you take either the standard deduction or itemize deductions.

Finding AGI on different tax forms

Most people file Form 1040, where AGI is on line 11. But if you filed a different form, the location changes.

If you filed Form 1040-SR (for people 65 and older), AGI is also on line 11. If you filed Form 1040-NR (for nonresidents), AGI is on line 21. If you filed Form 1040-NR-EZ (a simplified nonresident form, though the IRS has phased this out), AGI was on line 21.

Self-employed people who file Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business) still report their AGI on line 11 of Form 1040 — the Schedule C itself just feeds into that calculation. The same is true for people who file Schedule E (Rental Income and Loss) or Schedule F (Profit or Loss from Farming).

Retrieving your AGI if you don't have your return

If you filed electronically and deleted the email or lost the PDF, you can view your return through your IRS account. Go to IRS.gov, select "Sign in to your account," and log in with your username and password or ID.me. Once logged in, you can view your tax return information, including your AGI.

If you filed on paper or prefer a formal record, order a Tax Return Transcript from the IRS. This document shows the key numbers from your return, including your AGI. You can order it three ways: online at IRS.gov (free, takes 5 to 10 business days), by phone at 1-800-908-9946 (free, takes 5 to 10 business days), or by mail using Form 4506-C (free, takes 2 to 3 weeks).

The IRS also offers an Account Transcript, which shows your account activity but not your full return. For AGI specifically, request the Tax Return Transcript, not the Account Transcript.

Why you need your AGI and where it's used

Your AGI determines whether you can take certain tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or the American Opportunity Credit for education expenses. It also sets income limits for contributing to a Roth IRA, claiming a deduction for traditional IRA contributions, or claiming the Saver's Credit.

Outside of taxes, your AGI is often required to show income on financial aid forms (FAFSA), mortgage applications, and some information program forms. Some employers or landlords may ask for it as proof of income. Having your AGI on hand saves time when you need to verify your income.

State tax return AGI locations

Most states that have an income tax place AGI on line 21 of their state return form. However, some states use different line numbers or different terminology. For example, New York places it on line 15 of Form IT-201. California places it on line 15 of Form 540. Illinois does not use the term AGI but instead uses "Illinois Adjusted Gross Income" on line 1 of Form IL 1040.

If you are looking for AGI on a state return and cannot find line 21, check the form instructions for your state. Your state's tax department website will have the form and instructions available for read. You can also contact your state's tax department directly — most have phone lines and online chat support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AGI the same as my taxable income?

No. AGI is your income after certain deductions, but before you take the standard deduction or itemize deductions. Taxable income comes after that step. Your AGI will always be higher than your taxable income.

Can I use my W-2 to find my AGI?

No. Your W-2 shows only your wages from that employer, not your total income or deductions. You need your actual tax return to find your AGI. However, if your only income was wages and you had no deductions, your AGI would be close to the total wages shown on your W-2s.

What if I amended my return with Form 1040-X?

If you filed an amended return, your AGI may have changed. The amended return shows the corrected AGI. When you request a transcript from the IRS, ask for the transcript that matches the year you amended — the IRS will send you the most recent version, which includes the amendment.

Do I need my AGI to file next year's return?

You do not need it to file, but the IRS asks for your prior-year AGI as a security check when you e-file. This confirms you are who you say you are. If you do not remember it, you can look it up through your IRS account or order a transcript before you file.