How Do You Get Your AGI from the IRS? A Guide for Financial Advisors
Sep 15, 2025
How Do You Get Your AGI from the IRS? A Guide for Financial Advisors
For financial advisors, few numbers are as critical as a client’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). It drives tax planning decisions, determines eligibility for deductions and credits, and impacts everything from Roth contributions to healthcare subsidies. Despite its importance, many clients struggle to provide an accurate AGI or have no idea where to find it.
That’s where an IRS AGI lookup becomes a valuable tool. By guiding clients through this process, you help them stay compliant, avoid costly mistakes, and reinforce your role as a trusted financial partner.
What Exactly Is AGI and Why Does It Matter?
AGI is calculated by taking gross income and subtracting specific adjustments such as contributions to retirement accounts, student loan interest, or certain above-the-line deductions. It isn’t the same as taxable income—but it plays a central role in determining it.
Here’s why AGI matters so much to financial advisors:
Retirement Planning: AGI influences how much a client can contribute to Roth IRAs and whether backdoor Roth conversions are an option.
Investment Strategy: AGI affects tax on investment income, capital gains, and eligibility for strategies like tax-loss harvesting.
Healthcare Planning: AGI determines eligibility for premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act.
Education Planning: AGI impacts access to education credits and student loan repayment options.
When advisors overlook AGI, clients risk missing out on strategies—or worse, facing compliance issues.
How Do You Perform an IRS AGI Lookup?
If clients don’t know their AGI, here’s how to guide them. While you can’t do the lookup yourself, you can provide a clear roadmap:
IRS Online Account
Direct clients to create or log into their IRS Online Account.
Once inside, they can view tax transcripts that list their AGI.
This is the fastest way for tech-savvy clients.
IRS Get Transcript Tool
Clients can use the IRS “Get Transcript” service online or request one by mail.
The AGI appears on Line 11 of Form 1040 within the transcript.
Online transcripts are immediate; mailed ones take 5–10 days.
Tax Return Copy
For clients with last year’s Form 1040, AGI is listed on Line 11.
Encourage clients to keep electronic or paper copies of prior returns for easy reference.
Contact Their Tax Preparer
If they worked with a CPA or tax preparer, that professional can provide the AGI from prior filings.
Best Practices for Advisors Helping Clients Retrieve AGI
While you can’t request AGI on a client’s behalf, you can set up a framework that makes the process smoother. Consider these best practices:
Create a Client Resource Sheet: Provide a one-pager with IRS AGI lookup steps, so clients have a reference guide.
Encourage Year-Round Organization: Suggest that clients store their tax returns securely (digital vaults, encrypted files, or advisor portals).
Reinforce Security: Make sure clients know never to share IRS login credentials. You can walk them through the process, but they should always log in themselves.
Integrate into Annual Reviews: During annual client check-ins, confirm AGI alongside income, expenses, and tax strategy updates.
This not only protects your firm but also demonstrates proactive service.
Compliance and Security Considerations
Advisors must handle AGI with care. Even though it’s “just a number,” it’s still sensitive personal data. A few compliance reminders:
Data Privacy Rules: Treat AGI like any other piece of client financial data—store securely and in compliance with SEC or state regulations.
Avoid Email Sharing: Discourage clients from sending AGI through unsecured channels like email. Instead, use secure portals.
Document Retrieval Support Only: Make clear to clients that while you guide them, they are responsible for obtaining the data from the IRS.
Building these practices into your compliance policies can protect your firm from potential regulatory scrutiny.
How Advisors Can Leverage AGI in Planning
Once you’ve helped clients retrieve their AGI, the real value comes in applying it to planning. Examples include:
Roth Conversions: Knowing AGI helps determine the tax impact of converting traditional IRA funds.
Charitable Giving: AGI is used to set limits on charitable contribution deductions.
Tax Bracket Management: For high-income clients, AGI awareness prevents them from unintentionally triggering higher tax brackets.
College Funding: Families applying for FAFSA or tax credits need AGI for eligibility calculations.
Healthcare Strategy: Advisors can project subsidies or penalties under healthcare laws by estimating AGI.
In short, AGI isn’t just about tax filing—it’s a decision-making tool for comprehensive financial planning.
Client Communication Tips
For many clients, “IRS AGI lookup” sounds overwhelming. Advisors can smooth the process by:
Using plain language (“Your AGI is just the income number the IRS uses to decide what you qualify for.”)
Offering step-by-step walkthroughs during meetings.
Positioning AGI checks as part of proactive tax-smart planning, not a compliance chore.
When clients see you turning a frustrating task into an easy win, it builds confidence and loyalty.
IRS AGI Lookup as a Planning Tool
For financial advisors, knowing how to guide clients through an IRS AGI lookup is more than a tax season trick—it’s a year-round planning advantage. AGI affects nearly every area of financial strategy, from retirement savings to healthcare subsidies. By helping clients retrieve and understand this number, you position yourself as both a financial guide and a compliance safeguard.
Want to strengthen your role as your clients’ go-to advisor? Connect with Jalada to explore how our accounting support can streamline AGI verification, tax planning, and compliance workflows for your firm.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Attorneys should consult their state bar or legal ethics counsel for guidance on IOLTA compliance.
