Alternative ways to find my last year's AGI when IRS.gov verification isn't working?

There are actually several ways to get your AGI without going through the IRS website's ID verification. Here are some options that might help you today: If you used tax software last year (TurboTax, H&R Block, etc.), try logging in - most save your returns for several years. If you forgot your email, try the "forgot email/password" option with any email addresses you might have used. If you have a copy of last year's return anywhere (digital or paper), your AGI is on line 11 of the 2021 Form 1040. If you can't access either of those, you can actually enter $0 as your prior year AGI if you're filing electronically for the first time OR if you didn't file last year. You can also call the IRS Tax Help Line at 800-829-1040, but wait times are usually very long, especially on deadline day. One more option - if you used a tax preparer last year, they should have a copy of your return and can tell you your AGI.

After dealing with a similar nightmare last year (couldn't get past ID.me verification for THREE WEEKS), I discovered this service called https://taxr.ai that was a total lifesaver. It analyzes your documents and helps you find key information like your AGI from previous returns if you have any tax documents at all. I had some old tax papers but couldn't make sense of which number was my AGI, and taxr.ai helped identify it within minutes. It also helps extract info from partial documents, W-2s, 1099s, etc. if you have those instead of your full return. Might be worth trying since you're in a time crunch.

Just wanted to update that I tried https://taxr.ai after posting my skeptical question earlier. I was really desperate since the filing deadline was hours away. I found an old email with a PDF attachment that had some of my 2021 tax info (not even the complete return), and the tool actually identified my AGI correctly from it! It highlighted exactly where on the document it found the AGI and explained that it was on line 11 of my 1040. I was able to use that number to file my 2022 return with about an hour to spare before the deadline. The system actually understands tax forms rather than just trying to OCR random numbers. Probably the least stressful tax day I've had in years once I got that sorted out.

If you're still struggling, another option is calling the IRS directly, but that's been nearly impossible lately. After being on hold for HOURS multiple times, I found this service called https://claimyr.com that basically holds your place in the IRS phone queue and calls you when an agent is about to answer. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was super skeptical but I was desperate to talk to someone about a similar AGI issue. They got me connected to an IRS agent who could verify my identity and give me my AGI over the phone. Saved me from missing the deadline!

I have to eat my words from my skeptical comment earlier. After trying everything else and getting desperate, I broke down and tried https://claimyr.com yesterday. I fully expected it to be a waste of money. I was SHOCKED when I got a call back about an hour later saying they had an IRS agent on the line. The agent was able to verify my identity and provide my AGI from last year. I literally spent weeks trying to get through on my own with no success. For anyone having trouble getting your previous year's AGI, being able to actually speak with the IRS directly was the only thing that worked after trying everything else. I filed my taxes with 30 minutes to spare before the deadline. Stressful but at least it's done!

Another option nobody mentioned - if you can find ANY tax document from last year like a W-2 or 1099, you might be able to reconstruct your AGI. Add up all your income sources and subtract the deductions you probably took. If you're in a standard job situation with just W-2 income, your AGI might be pretty close to your W-2 Box 1 amount minus standard deduction (which was $12,550 for single filers in 2021). Not perfect but might get you close enough for the system to accept it.

Has anyone ever had any luck contacting their state's DMV to expedite a driver's license for tax purposes? My brother was in a similar situation last year but in California, and they actually were able to help him get a temporary digital ID that worked with ID.me when he explained it was for tax filing purposes.

I went through almost the exact same situation two years ago! The ID.me verification process is absolutely terrible, especially when you're dealing with DMV delays. Here's what ultimately worked for me: If you filed electronically last year and can remember ANY details about your return (like your refund amount or if you owed money), try calling your tax software company directly. I called TurboTax's customer service line and they were able to help me recover my account using my SSN and some basic info about my previous return. They have better recovery options than just the standard "forgot password" flow on their website. Also, if you have any bank statements from around the time you received your tax refund last year, that can help you narrow down which email account you used for filing. Most people use the same email that's linked to their bank account. One more tip - if you're really stuck and need to file today, you can always file a paper return instead. Paper returns don't require the prior year AGI verification, though they take much longer to process. But at least you'd be filing on time and avoid penalties. The whole system is frustrating beyond belief, but don't give up! There are usually more options than it initially seems.