Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Calculator
Income Sources
Above-the-Line Deductions
Understanding Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is a crucial figure on your tax return. It's a measure of your total income minus specific deductions, often referred to as "above-the-line" deductions. AGI is not just a number; it's a foundational component that impacts many aspects of your financial life, from your tax liability to your eligibility for various tax credits and deductions.
What is AGI?
In simple terms, AGI is your gross income (all the money you earned from various sources) minus certain allowable deductions. It's a step in the calculation of your taxable income, but it's also used by the IRS and other government agencies to determine eligibility for a wide range of benefits, programs, and even the deductibility of certain expenses.
How is AGI Calculated?
The basic formula for AGI is straightforward:
Gross Income – Above-the-Line Deductions = Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
Components of Gross Income:
Gross income includes nearly all income you receive, unless it's specifically excluded by law. Common sources include:
- Wages, Salaries, and Tips: Income from your employer(s).
- Taxable Interest Income: Interest earned from bank accounts, bonds, etc.
- Ordinary Dividends: Income from stock investments.
- Business Income (Net Profit): Profits from self-employment or a business (reported on Schedule C).
- Capital Gains (Net): Profits from selling assets like stocks or real estate.
- Rental and Royalty Income.
- Alimony received (for divorces finalized before 2019).
- Unemployment compensation.
- Pension and annuity income.
- Certain Social Security benefits.
What are "Above-the-Line" Deductions?
These are specific deductions that you can subtract from your gross income to arrive at your AGI. They are called "above-the-line" because they are deducted before you reach the "line" for AGI on your tax form (Form 1040). Unlike itemized deductions, you can claim these even if you take the standard deduction. Common above-the-line deductions include:
- IRA Contributions: Deductible contributions to a traditional Individual Retirement Arrangement.
- Student Loan Interest Deduction: Interest paid on qualified student loans, up to a certain limit.
- Health Savings Account (HSA) Contributions: Contributions made to an HSA.
- Self-Employment Tax Deduction: One-half of the self-employment taxes paid.
- Educator Expenses: Certain unreimbursed expenses paid by eligible educators.
- Alimony Paid: For divorce or separation agreements executed before 2019.
- Penalty for early withdrawal of savings.
Why is AGI Important?
Your AGI is more than just a number; it's a gateway to various tax benefits and financial planning strategies:
- Eligibility for Tax Credits: Many tax credits, such as the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, and education credits, have AGI phase-out limits.
- Deductibility of Itemized Deductions: Certain itemized deductions, like medical expenses, are only deductible if they exceed a percentage of your AGI.
- IRA Contribution Limits: Your AGI can affect whether your traditional IRA contributions are deductible and whether you can contribute to a Roth IRA.
- Affordable Care Act (ACA) Subsidies: Eligibility for premium tax credits to help pay for health insurance is based on AGI.
- Student Loan Repayment Plans: Income-driven repayment plans for federal student loans often use AGI to determine monthly payments.
Using the AGI Calculator
Our AGI calculator provides a quick estimate of your Adjusted Gross Income. Simply enter your relevant income sources and above-the-line deductions into the fields provided. The calculator will then compute your estimated AGI based on the common components. Remember, this tool is for estimation purposes and does not account for every possible income source or deduction.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate based on the information you provide and common tax scenarios. It is not intended as tax advice. Tax laws are complex and can change. For accurate tax planning and filing, please consult with a qualified tax professional or refer to official IRS publications.