How to Calculate AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) – with Formula and Calculator

If youโ€™ve ever filed a U.S. tax return, youโ€™ve probably seen the term AGI or Adjusted Gross Income. But what exactly is itโ€”and why does it matter?

In this article, weโ€™ll break down what AGI is, why itโ€™s important, and how you can calculate it yourself. Donโ€™t worryโ€”itโ€™s simpler than it sounds!

๐Ÿ”ข Want to skip the math? Use our calculator to enter your income and adjustmentsโ€”and itโ€™ll give you your AGI instantly!

AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) Calculator

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๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™€๏ธ What Is AGI?

AGI stands for Adjusted Gross Income. Itโ€™s your total income for the year minus specific deductions, also known as “adjustments to income.”

The IRS uses your AGI to determine:

  • How much tax you owe
  • Whether you qualify for credits and deductions
  • Your eligibility for programs like Roth IRAs or education credits

๐Ÿ’ผ What Counts as Income?

Your gross income includes:

  • Wages, salaries, and tips
  • Business or freelance income
  • Investment income (interest, dividends, capital gains)
  • Rental income
  • Unemployment benefits
  • Social security (if taxable)

โœ‚๏ธ What Are โ€œAdjustmentsโ€?

These are deductions that reduce your gross income to arrive at your AGI. Common adjustments include:

  • Traditional IRA contributions
  • Student loan interest
  • HSA (Health Savings Account) contributions
  • Tuition and fees deduction
  • Educator expenses
  • Self-employment taxes and health insurance

๐Ÿงฎ AGI Formula

Hereโ€™s the basic AGI formula:

AGI = Gross Income โˆ’ Adjustments

โœ๏ธ AGI Example

Letโ€™s say your gross income is $80,000 and you had:

  • $2,000 in student loan interest
  • $3,000 in HSA contributions

Then your AGI would be:

AGI = 80,000 โˆ’ (2,000 + 3,000) = $75,000

๐Ÿ” Where to Find AGI on Your Tax Return

If youโ€™ve already filed taxes, your AGI can be found on:

  • Form 1040, Line 11

๐Ÿ’ก Why AGI Matters

AGI is the foundation of your tax return. It affects:

  • How much tax you owe
  • Eligibility for deductions and credits
  • Whether you can contribute to a Roth IRA
  • Qualification for income-based repayment plans for student loans

๐Ÿ Final Thoughts

Understanding your Adjusted Gross Income is key to making smart tax decisions. With a few simple numbers, you can estimate your AGI and prepare for filing season like a pro.