The short answer
The fastest way is your IRS online account at IRS.gov, where you can download transcripts as PDFs in minutes. Last year's AGI is on line 11 of last year's Form 1040, or on your return transcript.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Three ways to get a transcript
- Online: sign in to your IRS online account (you'll verify your identity through ID.me the first time), then go to Get Transcript Online.
- By mail: request it online or with Form 4506-T. It arrives at the address the IRS has on file.
- Through us: with your signed permission on Form 8821, we can pull them for you. See our transcript request page.
Which transcript do you need?
- Return transcript: the main lines from a return you filed, including AGI. Good for loans.
- Account transcript: payments, penalties, balance due and whether a return was filed.
- Wage and income transcript: the W-2s and 1099s reported under your name. Great for catching up on missed years.
Need last year's AGI to e-file?
Use line 11 of last year's Form 1040. If you didn't file last year, enter $0. If last year's return was filed late, it may not be in the IRS system yet, and $0 may work instead.
Official source: IRS: Get your tax records and transcripts.
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Disclaimer: This page is general information, not tax advice. Every situation is different, and tax rules change. Reading this page doesn't make you a client.