Resolving an AGI e-file rejection can be tiresome. The IRS uses your AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) to prove your identity when e-filing your taxes every year. If a taxpayer doesn’t have the exact AGI number from the prior tax year the tax return is rejected.
What causes a change in my AGI?
When something out of the ordinary happens with your tax return processing it can cause a discrepancy in what the IRS has and what is in your records. Some things that will change your AGI are, you filed after October in the prior tax year, the IRS could have “0” for your tax return because their systems have not updated yet. If you received a letter from the IRS changing your tax filing, it could change your AGI. Lastly, if you filed an amendment to your tax return, your AGI could be different.
How to fix my AGI and still e-file?
We have three options to remedy an AGI rejection issue.
- We can get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS and use that to prove your identity for e-filing. (My favorite option)
- We can get your tax return transcript and check what the IRS has on file for your AGI from 2021. We file using the IRS’s own data.
- Last resort: Print and mail. (The IRS MUST accept all printed and mailed filings.)
OPTION 1: IRS IP PIN
To receive a free IRS IP PIN please click here: You will need to create an IRS account( ID.me) if you don’t already have one. It should take 15 min or so if all goes well.
https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin
OPTION 2: IRS TRANSCRIPT
To receive a free IRS Tax Return Transcript, click here. You will need to create an IRS account( ID.me) if you don’t already have one. It should take 15 min or so if all goes well.
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript
The transcript for a 1040 will be between 4 – 8 pages long. There is a section in the transcript called “Adjustments to Income.” Adjusted Gross Income is one of the last lines in this section.
Please use that number from the transcript and re-e-file your taxes. If the number from your transcript is the same number as the one you’ve been using and has been rejected, we need to move on to option number 3.
OPTION 3: PRINT AND MAIL
Our last resort is to print and mail your tax return. Most tax preparation software has that option available. Again, the IRS accepts all mailed tax returns. If they have specific questions about the tax filing, they will contact the taxpayer via US mail. Please be prompt replying to the IRS letters and notices.
Please post any questions below.
