AGI is on line 11 of Form 1040, labeled "Adjusted Gross Income"

Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is a single number on your federal tax return that represents your total income minus certain deductions. The IRS uses it to determine whether you meet income limits for tax credits, deductions, and other benefits. On Form 1040 (the main federal income tax form), AGI appears on line 11.

If you filed a different form — such as Form 1040-SR (for people 65 and older) or Form 1040-NR (for nonresidents) — AGI is still on line 11. The location does not change between these versions.

Your AGI is calculated by taking your total income from all sources and subtracting specific deductions called "above-the-line" deductions. These include contributions to traditional IRAs, student loan interest, educator expenses, and self-employment tax. The result is the number on line 11.

Key Takeaways

  • AGI is printed on line 11 of Form 1040, Form 1040-SR, and Form 1040-NR.
  • You can find your AGI on a paper return by looking at the line labeled "Adjusted Gross Income" or on your IRS transcript if you filed electronically.
  • Many housing programs, tax credits, and government benefits use your AGI to determine whether your income is within their limits.
  • If you cannot locate your return, the IRS can provide your AGI through a transcript you can order online or by mail.

How to locate AGI on a paper tax return

Open your Form 1040 and look at the right side of the page. Line 11 is near the middle of the form. The line is labeled "Adjusted Gross Income" and has a box next to it containing a number. That number is your AGI.

If you filed Form 1040-SR or Form 1040-NR, the same process applies — line 11 holds your AGI on both forms. The layout is slightly different between versions, but the line number and label remain consistent.

Finding AGI if you filed electronically

If you filed your return through tax software or a tax preparer and received a digital copy, open the PDF of your Form 1040. Line 11 will show your AGI in the same location as a paper return.

If you do not have a copy of your return, you can order a free transcript from the IRS. Visit IRS.gov/transcripts and select "Get Transcript Online" or "Get Transcript by Mail." The IRS Account Transcript shows your AGI and other key numbers from your return. Processing takes about one week by mail or is instant online.

You can also call the IRS at 1-800-908-9946 and request your Account Transcript by phone. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing address ready.

Why programs ask for your AGI

Housing programs, rental assistance funds, and other government benefits often use AGI to set income limits. For example, a program might say "your household AGI must be below 80 percent of the area median income." This number tells the program whether your household income falls within the range they serve.

Because AGI is a standardized number on your tax return, programs use it instead of asking you to calculate income yourself. It reduces errors and makes it easier for programs to verify your income against your actual tax filing.

What to do if you cannot find your return

If you filed a return but cannot locate it, the IRS Account Transcript is your fastest option. Order it online at IRS.gov/transcripts — you will receive it instantly if you verify your identity through their system. If you prefer mail, request it and allow one to two weeks for delivery.

If you did not file a return for the year a program is asking about, you will need to provide other income documentation instead. This might include pay stubs, W-2 forms, 1099 forms, or a letter from your employer stating your annual income. Ask the program what documents they will accept in place of a tax return.

AGI versus other income numbers on your return

Your return contains several income-related numbers, and it is important to use the correct one. Line 9 shows your total income before deductions. Line 11 shows your AGI after deductions. Line 15 shows your taxable income after the standard or itemized deduction.

Programs almost always ask for AGI (line 11), not total income or taxable income. If a program does not specify which number to use, ask before you submit — using the wrong line could affect whether you meet their income limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AGI the same as my total income?

No. Total income is all money you earned before any deductions. AGI is total income minus certain deductions like IRA contributions and student loan interest. AGI is always lower than or equal to your total income.

Can I use last year's AGI if I have not filed this year yet?

Most programs will accept your most recent tax return. If you have not filed yet and the program needs current-year income, ask whether they will take last year's return as a temporary measure while you file. Some programs have different rules depending on the time of year.

What if my AGI is negative?

A negative AGI means your deductions exceeded your income. Report it as a negative number. Most programs will count this as zero income for their purposes, which usually helps you meet their income limits.

Do I need to show my entire tax return or just the AGI number?

Most programs ask for a copy of your full return or a transcript. Providing just the AGI number without documentation makes it harder for the program to verify your income. Submit the complete Form 1040 or an IRS Account Transcript.