Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is not shown on the W-2 form. The W-2 form includes your total taxable wages, tips, and other compensation in Box 1, but AGI is a calculated figure that includes income from multiple sources and subtracts certain deductions and adjustments. Therefore, AGI cannot be found directly on the W-2
. To calculate your AGI, you start with the amount in Box 1 of your W-2, but you must also include other income sources such as interest, dividends, capital gains, rental income, and unemployment benefits, which are reported on other forms like 1099s. Then you subtract allowable deductions such as contributions to traditional IRAs, health savings accounts, student loan interest, and other "above-the-line" deductions
. Your AGI is ultimately reported on your IRS Form 1040, specifically on line 11 of the form. To find your AGI from a previous year, you should refer to your prior year’s tax return (Form 1040, line 11) or obtain an official IRS transcript, as it is not available on your W-2
. In summary:
- AGI is not on the W-2.
- Use Box 1 of the W-2 as a starting point.
- Add other income sources and subtract deductions.
- AGI is reported on Form 1040, line 11.
- For prior year AGI, check last year’s tax return or IRS transcript.
This means your W-2 provides essential income information but does not show your AGI directly
