How to Calculate an AGI From a W-2
Adjusted gross income (AGI) is defined as your total income after adjustments such as educator expenses, some business expenses and education deductions. The full list of items that adjust your total income are found on federal income tax form 1040 on lines 23 through 35; your W2s are used to help calculate the AGI. Adjusted gross income is necessary information for filing your income tax return.
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Instructions
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Receive your W2 from your employer or employers. The Internal Revenue Service requires that all employers mail W2 forms to employees no later than January 31 of each tax year.
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Calculate your AGI with your W2 by adding together all of the income you and your spouse earned throughout the year, which is listed on your W2s. If you had additional income not included on your W2s, such as business income, farm income or any of the income listed on federal form 1040 lines seven through 21 you must add it to the wages and salaries listed on your W2s.
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Subtract any adjustments to your income --- the ones listed on lines 23 through 35 of your federal form 1040 --- from your total income to figure your adjusted gross income. Neglecting to add or subtract any amounts from your income results in an incorrect AGI.
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References
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