Irs Phone Number To Get Last Year's Agi

If you're like many Americans, you need your AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) from last year's tax return to complete this year's taxes. However, it's not always easy to find that information. Luckily, the IRS provides a phone number you can call to get your AGI quickly and easily. In this article, we'll explain what AGI is, why you need it, and how to use the IRS phone number to get it.

What Is AGI?

Your Adjusted Gross Income, or AGI, is the amount of money you earned during the tax year minus any above-the-line deductions. These deductions might include things like student loan interest, IRA contributions, and alimony payments. Your AGI is important because it determines your eligibility for certain tax credits and deductions. For example, if you want to claim the Child Tax Credit or the Earned Income Tax Credit, you'll need to know your AGI.

When you file your taxes, you'll report your AGI on your tax return. If you're filing electronically, you'll need to enter your AGI from last year's tax return as part of the e-file process. This is where the IRS phone number can come in handy.

Why Do You Need Your Last Year's AGI?

If you're filing your taxes electronically, the IRS uses your AGI from the previous year as a security measure to help prevent fraud. This is called the Electronic Filing PIN (or E-file PIN) program. Essentially, the IRS wants to make sure that the person filing your return is really you. By requiring your previous year's AGI, the IRS can confirm that you're the legitimate filer and not an identity thief.

Even if you're not filing electronically, you might still need your AGI from last year's tax return. For example, if you're applying for a mortgage, your lender might ask for your AGI as part of the application process. Knowing your AGI can also help you estimate your tax liability for the current year, which can be helpful for budgeting purposes.

How to Get Your Last Year's AGI

So, how do you get your AGI from last year's tax return? The easiest way is to use the IRS phone number for AGI retrieval. Here's how:

Gather your personal information. To use the phone number, you'll need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and the mailing address from your previous tax return.
Call the IRS at 800-829-1040. This is the general customer service line for individuals. You can also call the IRS TeleTax System at 800-829-4477, which is an automated system that provides recorded tax information. Both lines are available 24/7.
Follow the prompts. When you call, you'll be prompted to enter your Social Security number and other personal information. Make sure you have this information ready before you call.
Request your AGI. Once you've entered your personal information, the system will ask you what you're calling about. Choose "tax history" or "tax transcript" and then select "AGI" from the options provided. The system will then provide your AGI from last year's tax return.

It's important to note that you can only use the IRS phone number to retrieve your AGI from the previous tax year. If you need your AGI from two or more years ago, you'll need to request a transcript from the IRS. You can do this online at the IRS website, by mail, or by calling the IRS.

Conclusion

Getting your AGI from last year's tax return doesn't have to be a hassle. By using the IRS phone number, you can quickly and easily get the information you need to file your taxes or complete other financial transactions. Just make sure you have your personal information handy before you call, and follow the prompts carefully to avoid any confusion. With a little bit of effort, you'll have your AGI in no time.