Your AGI is on line 11 of Form 1040, or line 9 of Form 1040-SR if you're 65 or older

Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) appears in the same place on every federal tax return. On the standard Form 1040, it's on line 11. If you filed Form 1040-SR (the version for people 65 and older), your AGI is on line 9. The line is labeled "Adjusted Gross Income" and sits near the bottom of the first page, after you've added up all your income and subtracted certain deductions.

If you filed electronically or received a copy from a tax preparer, the number is still in that same spot. The IRS also sends you a copy of your return after processing, and your AGI will be marked the same way. You don't have to calculate it yourself — the form does that work for you.

Key Takeaways

  • AGI appears on line 11 of Form 1040 and line 9 of Form 1040-SR, clearly labeled.
  • Your AGI is your total income minus certain deductions like student loan interest or educator expenses.
  • If you need your AGI for a government program or loan, you can find it on any copy of your filed return.
  • The IRS transcript service can send you an official copy showing your AGI if you've lost your original return.

Why programs ask for your AGI instead of total income

Government programs and lenders often ask for AGI rather than your gross income because AGI is lower and more standardized across returns. Your gross income includes everything you earned — wages, self-employment income, interest, dividends, rental income. Your AGI subtracts certain deductions that Congress decided matter for fairness: student loan interest you paid, educator expenses, contributions to a traditional IRA, alimony paid, and a few others.

Because AGI is calculated the same way for everyone, it's easier for programs to compare your income to their limits. A housing program with a 60% area median income limit, for example, will use your AGI to determine whether you fall below that threshold. Using gross income would make the comparison harder and less consistent.

How to find your AGI if you don't have your return

If you filed a return but don't have a copy, the IRS can send you one. You can order a transcript through the IRS website at irs.gov, by phone at 1-800-908-9946, or by mail using Form 4506-C. The fastest option is usually the website, where you can create an account and download transcripts immediately if you have a Social Security number and filing status on file.

An IRS Account Transcript shows your AGI and is free. It takes a few minutes to set up online. If you're applying for a program that requires an "official" transcript, the Account Transcript usually works — but call the program first to confirm they'll accept it. Some programs ask for the actual filed return or a specific transcript type, so checking first saves you time.

If you filed jointly with a spouse, both of you can access the return through an IRS account, but only the primary filer can order transcripts by mail. If you need the transcript urgently and can't access it online, calling the IRS is faster than waiting for mail.

What if you filed more than one return in the same year

If you filed an amended return (Form 1040-X), your AGI may have changed. The most recent return you filed is the one that counts — that's the AGI the IRS has on record and the one programs will see. If you amended your return, your AGI on the amended form is what you should report.

If you filed a return, then filed an amended return, then filed another amended return, the last one is official. You can see all your filed returns through your IRS account online, and each one will show its own AGI. If a program asks for your AGI from a specific year, make sure you're looking at the final return for that year, not a draft or an earlier version.

AGI on your tax return versus AGI on IRS notices

Sometimes the IRS sends you a notice about your return — a letter saying they adjusted something, or asking for more information. These notices may show a different AGI than what appears on your original return. The AGI on the notice is what the IRS determined after reviewing your return, and it's the official number for that year going forward.

If you're applying for a program and you received an IRS notice, use the AGI from the notice, not from your original return. The program may also ask to see the notice itself, so keep it with your tax documents. If you're unsure which AGI to report, contact the program directly — they'll tell you whether they want the original return or any amended or adjusted version.

Finding AGI on prior-year returns

If you need your AGI from a return you filed several years ago, the process is the same: line 11 on Form 1040 or line 9 on Form 1040-SR. You can order a transcript from any year the IRS has on file, usually going back at least seven years. Some programs ask for the prior year's AGI (last year's return) or the year before that, so make sure you're pulling the right tax year.

When you order a transcript online or by phone, the IRS will ask you which year you need. If you're not sure, ask the program — they'll specify "2023 tax return" or "2022 tax return" so you know exactly which one to request. Ordering by mail takes about two weeks, so if you're on a deadline, the online option is worth the extra step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my W-2 or pay stub instead of my tax return to show my income?

No. A W-2 shows gross wages, not AGI. Your AGI is lower because it subtracts certain deductions. Programs that ask for AGI specifically need your actual tax return or an IRS transcript, not a W-2 or pay stub. If you haven't filed a return yet, you may need to file one before you can show your income to the program.

What if I filed jointly with my spouse — is the AGI the same for both of us?

Yes. On a joint return, there is one AGI for the household. Both spouses have the same AGI number. If a program asks for your household AGI, that's the number on line 11 of your Form 1040. If they ask for individual income, you may need to provide separate documentation or file separate returns.

Does my AGI change if I file an amended return?

It can. If you amend your return and change your income or deductions, your AGI will change too. The amended return shows the new AGI on line 11. When you report your AGI to a program, use the number from your most recent filed return — whether that's your original return or an amended one.

Can I find my AGI on my state tax return instead of my federal return?

State returns usually start with your federal AGI and then make state-specific adjustments. Your federal AGI is the number you need for most programs. If a program asks for your state AGI, it will say so — otherwise, use your federal AGI from your Form 1040.