The fastest way to get your AGI is to look at your own tax return first

Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is a number the IRS calculates on your tax return — it is your total income minus certain deductions. You do not need to contact the IRS to find it. If you filed a return, your AGI is already on the copy you kept or can retrieve from your tax software account.

If you filed electronically, log into the tax software you used (TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, or another provider) and download your return. If you filed on paper, look at line 11 of Form 1040 (the main tax form). That number is your AGI. This takes five minutes and costs nothing.

If you cannot find your return or never filed one, the IRS can send you a document that shows your AGI. That process takes longer and requires you to request it formally.

Key Takeaways

  • Your AGI appears on line 11 of Form 1040 if you filed a federal tax return; check your copy first before contacting the IRS.
  • If you filed electronically, log into your tax software account to download your return and find the AGI number.
  • The IRS can issue a transcript showing your AGI if you need an official document, but the request takes one to two weeks by mail or three business days online.
  • You can request a transcript through IRS.gov, by phone at 800-908-9946, or by mailing Form 4506-C to your local IRS office.
  • Some programs and lenders accept a screenshot of your tax software account showing your AGI instead of an official IRS transcript.

Requesting an official IRS transcript showing your AGI

If you need proof of your AGI for a loan, school financial aid, or a government program, the IRS issues a document called a tax return transcript. This is an official record of what you reported to the IRS, and it includes your AGI.

You can request a transcript three ways: online through IRS.gov (fastest), by phone, or by mail. The online method is free and takes about three business days. Phone requests also take three business days. Mail requests take one to two weeks, depending on where you live.

You do not need to provide a reason for requesting your transcript. The IRS will send it to you or directly to a third party (like a lender or school) if you ask them to.

Requesting online through IRS.gov

Go to IRS.gov and search for "Get Transcript." Click the link that says "Get Your Tax Record" or "Transcript." You will need to create or log into an IRS online account using your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number.

The IRS will verify your identity by asking questions about your tax history or by sending a code to your phone. Once verified, you can view your transcript immediately on the screen and download it as a PDF. You can also ask the IRS to mail a printed copy to your address or send it electronically to a third party.

This method works only if you filed a federal tax return in the past three years. If you have not filed recently, you will need to use the phone or mail method.

Requesting by phone

Call the IRS at 800-908-9946. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status ready. Tell the representative you want a tax return transcript.

The IRS will ask you questions to verify your identity, then mail the transcript to the address on file with your return. This takes about three business days. You can also ask them to send it to a third party, but you will need to provide that person's name and address.

The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are often long, especially during tax season (January through April).

Requesting by mail using Form 4506-C

Download or print Form 4506-C from IRS.gov. Fill in your name, address, Social Security number, and tax year. On the form, check the box for "Tax Return Transcript" or "Account Transcript" (both show your AGI).

Sign and date the form, then mail it to the IRS office that serves your state. The address is printed on the form itself. Do not send the form to the main IRS address — it will be delayed. Mail requests take one to two weeks.

If you want the transcript sent to someone else (a lender, school, or government agency), fill in their name and address on the form. The IRS will send it directly to them instead of to you.

What to do if you never filed a tax return

If you have not filed a federal return, the IRS has no AGI to send you. However, you may still have income that counts toward programs you are trying to access. You will need to calculate your own income or contact the program directly to ask what documents they accept instead of an IRS transcript.

Some programs accept recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, or a letter from your employer stating your income. Others may ask you to file a return before they can process your request. Contact the program or lender first to find out what they need.

Using your AGI for loans, aid, and government programs

Many lenders, schools, and government agencies ask for your AGI to verify your income. Some accept a screenshot of your tax software account or a copy of your filed return. Others require an official IRS transcript.

Before you request a transcript, ask the organization what form of proof they accept. If they say "IRS transcript," ask whether they need a "tax return transcript" or an "account transcript" — both show your AGI, but the account transcript is simpler and faster to request. Saving this step can cut your wait time in half.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get a transcript from the IRS?

Requesting a transcript is free. The IRS does not charge for transcripts requested online, by phone, or by mail. Be cautious of third-party websites that claim to retrieve transcripts for a fee — you can always get one directly from the IRS at no cost.

Can I get someone else's AGI from the IRS?

No. The IRS will only send a transcript to the person who filed the return or to a third party if the filer signs a form authorizing it. You cannot request another person's AGI without their written permission. If you need a spouse's or dependent's AGI, they must request it themselves or sign Form 8821 authorizing you to receive it.

What if I filed taxes but the IRS says they have no record?

This usually means your return has not been processed yet. Returns take about 21 days to process after filing. If it has been longer, call 800-829-1040 to check the status. Have your Social Security number and filing status ready. If there is a problem with your return, the IRS will send you a notice by mail.

Can I use a screenshot of my tax software instead of an IRS transcript?

Some organizations accept screenshots or PDFs from tax software, but others require an official IRS transcript. Ask the lender, school, or program first. If they say they need an IRS transcript, a screenshot will not work — you will need to request the official document.

How long does it take to get a transcript if I request it by mail?

Mail requests typically take one to two weeks, depending on your location and the IRS processing center that serves your state. If you need it faster, request it online (three business days) or by phone (three business days). During tax season, all methods may take longer.