Your AGI is on line 11 of Form 1040, and also appears on your state return

AGI stands for Adjusted Gross Income. It is the number the IRS uses to determine whether you owe tax, how much you owe, and whether you can claim certain deductions and credits. On the federal return you file with the IRS, your AGI appears on line 11 of Form 1040 (the main individual income tax form). If you filed a state income tax return, your state AGI will be on that return as well — usually near the top or middle of the first page.

The reason AGI matters is that many tax benefits have income limits tied to it. If your AGI is too high, you cannot claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, the American Opportunity Credit, or certain retirement account deductions. Your state may also use your federal AGI to calculate state tax owed. When you need to prove your income to a lender, landlord, or government program, they often ask for your AGI rather than your total income.

If you filed electronically, you can find your AGI on the copy of your return stored in your IRS account or in your tax software. If you filed on paper, look at the copy you kept or request a transcript from the IRS.

Key Takeaways

  • Your AGI appears on line 11 of Form 1040 for federal taxes and on your state return for state taxes.
  • AGI is your total income minus specific deductions like educator expenses, student loan interest, and IRA contributions — not the same as your gross income.
  • Many tax credits and deductions have income limits based on AGI, so knowing your number matters for planning.
  • You can retrieve your AGI from your tax software, your IRS account, or by requesting a transcript from the IRS if you need it for a loan or program.
  • Your state AGI may differ slightly from your federal AGI because some states do not allow the same deductions.

How AGI differs from gross income and taxable income

Gross income is everything you earned — wages, self-employment income, interest, dividends, rental income, and other sources. Taxable income is what remains after you subtract deductions. AGI sits between the two. It is your gross income minus certain deductions that the IRS calls "above-the-line" deductions.

These above-the-line deductions include student loan interest (up to $2,500), educator expenses (up to $300), contributions to a traditional IRA, and self-employment tax (half of it). After you subtract these, you get your AGI. Then you subtract either the standard deduction or itemized deductions to reach your taxable income — the amount you actually owe tax on.

The distinction matters because tax credits and income limits use AGI, not gross income or taxable income. For example, the Earned Income Tax Credit phases out based on AGI. If your gross income is $35,000 but your AGI is $32,000 because you contributed $3,000 to a traditional IRA, the credit calculation uses $32,000.

Where to find your AGI if you filed electronically

If you filed your return through tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, or another provider), your AGI is visible in the software itself. Open your return file, go to the section that shows Form 1040, and look at line 11. Most software also displays a summary page that lists your AGI prominently.

You can also find your AGI in your IRS account at IRS.gov. Log in with your username and password, or create an account if you do not have one. Once logged in, go to "Tax Records" and select "View Your Tax Return." The page will show your filing status, income, and AGI for the year you select. This method works whether you filed electronically or on paper, as long as the IRS has processed your return.

If you need your AGI for a recent year and your return is still being processed, wait a few weeks and check again. The IRS typically processes returns within 21 days of receipt, though some take longer if they require review.

Where to find your AGI if you filed on paper

If you mailed in a paper return, the copy you kept should have your AGI on line 11 of Form 1040. Look at the first page of your return — line 11 is near the middle of the form, below the lines for income and above the section for deductions.

If you no longer have your copy, you can request a transcript from the IRS. A Tax Return Transcript shows the key information from your filed return, including your AGI, and costs nothing. You can order one online at IRS.gov under "Get Your Tax Record," by phone at 1-800-829-1040, or by mail using Form 4506-C. Online orders arrive within five to ten business days; mail requests take four weeks.

The IRS also offers an Account Transcript, which shows your current account balance and payment history but does not include AGI. Make sure you request a Tax Return Transcript if you need to see your AGI.

Why lenders and programs ask for your AGI

When you explore for a mortgage, car loan, or personal loan, lenders often ask for your AGI to verify your income. AGI is more reliable than gross income because it reflects deductions you actually claimed, giving a clearer picture of what you have available after certain obligations.

Government programs — unemployment benefits, housing information, food information, Medicaid — also use AGI to determine whether you meet income limits. Some programs ask for your AGI from the prior year, which you can find on last year's return. Others ask for your current-year AGI, which you may need to estimate or provide through a recent pay stub and tax documents.

If a program asks for proof of AGI, provide a copy of your tax return (with your AGI circled on line 11), a Tax Return Transcript from the IRS, or a letter from your tax preparer stating your AGI. Most programs accept any of these.

State AGI and how it differs from federal AGI

Your state income tax return will show a state AGI, which may differ from your federal AGI. Some states do not allow the same deductions the IRS does. For example, a few states do not allow the student loan interest deduction, or they cap it at a different amount. Some states add back certain deductions the IRS allows.

If you filed a state return, look for AGI on the first or second page — the exact location varies by state. Your state's tax department website will show you where to find it on your specific state form. If you used tax software, the software prepared both your federal and state returns, and both AGI figures should be visible in your return summary.

When a program or lender asks for your AGI, clarify whether they want your federal AGI or state AGI. Most of the time they want federal, but some state programs may ask for state AGI.

What to do if you cannot find your AGI

If you have looked at your return and cannot locate line 11, check that you are looking at Form 1040 and not a different form. Form 1040-SR (for people 65 and older) and Form 1040-NR (for nonresidents) also have AGI on line 11, in the same location. If you filed a simpler form like 1040-EZ (no longer available after 2017), your AGI was on line 4.

If your return was amended, you filed Form 1040-X (Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return), which also shows AGI. Look at line 11 of the amended return.

If you still cannot find it, the fastest option is to log into your IRS account and view your tax record online, or call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and ask them to read your AGI to you over the phone. Have your Social Security number and filing status ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my AGI from last year if a program asks for current-year AGI?

No. Programs that ask for current-year AGI want the number from the return you filed for this year, not last year. If you have not filed yet, you may need to provide an estimate based on your year-to-date income, or the program may accept last year's AGI as a temporary measure until you file.

Is my AGI the same as my take-home pay?

No. AGI is calculated before you pay income tax, payroll tax, or health insurance premiums. Your take-home pay is what you actually receive after all deductions. AGI is typically higher than take-home pay.

Do I need to provide my AGI when I explore for a credit card or bank account?

Most credit card and bank applications ask for gross income, not AGI. However, some lenders or programs may ask for AGI specifically. If they do, provide your AGI from your most recent tax return.

What if my AGI is negative?

A negative AGI means your deductions exceeded your income. This can happen if you had a business loss or large capital losses. Your return will show a negative number on line 11, and you may be able to carry the loss forward to reduce income in future years.

Does my AGI change if I amend my return?

Yes. If you file Form 1040-X to correct your return, your AGI may change depending on what you corrected. The amended return will show your new AGI on line 11. Use the AGI from your most recent amended return, not the original.