How can I get access to last year's AGI after a flood destroyed my tax documents?

So frustrating! I'm trying to file my taxes but I need last year's adjusted gross income and I'm totally stuck. A few months ago we had this massive flood and I lost a bunch of important papers including all my tax stuff from last year. I don't remember my AGI and I forgot the pin I set up to have it automatically pulled. I tried getting my transcript online through the IRS website but hit another roadblock. They want to verify my identity by matching a credit card or loan account they have on file. Problem is, my bank issued me a new card after the flooding damaged my old one, so the numbers don't match anymore. I know I can request a mailed transcript, but they'll only send it to the address on my most recent tax return. I've moved since then because of the flood damage, so that won't work either. Calling the IRS feels like it would be a nightmare right now during tax season. Is there ANY other way I can access my previous year's AGI? Maybe through my old tax software or something I'm not thinking of? Really appreciate any help before I give in and spend hours on hold with the IRS!

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18 comments

Sunny Wang

•8M

Good news - you have several options to get your AGI without calling the IRS or waiting for mail! First, check if you have a copy of last year's return saved anywhere digitally. Many tax software programs store your returns in your account, so log into whatever service you used last year (TurboTax, H&R Block, etc.). Your AGI would be on line 11 of the 1040 form. If that doesn't work, did you use a tax preparer last year? They should have your information on file and can provide your AGI with proper identification. Another option is to file Form 4506-T, "Request for Transcript of Tax Return." You can have it sent to your new address by checking box 5 and listing your current address. The IRS will verify your identity differently for this form. As a last resort, you can actually enter "0" as your prior year AGI when e-filing this year. This special procedure is specifically for taxpayers who can't access their prior year information.

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Sunny Wang

•8M

Yes, entering "0" as your prior year AGI is an official IRS procedure for people who can't access their previous return. It won't trigger an audit - the system recognizes this as a special case. However, it should only be used as a last resort after trying the other methods. For Form 4506-T processing time, expect 5-10 business days from when the IRS receives your request. If you need it faster, I'd try the tax software route first - that's immediate if you can access your account.

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Effie Alexander

•8M

Just wanted to share something that helped me with a similar AGI problem. I used https://taxr.ai to retrieve my past tax information. I was locked out of my old tax software account and couldn't remember which service I even used last year. I uploaded a picture of my driver's license to verify my identity (instead of needing the credit card the IRS wanted), and they were able to securely retrieve my transcript with my AGI right there on line 11. The whole process took about 10 minutes instead of the hours I spent trying to get through to the IRS. Might be worth checking out if the other methods don't work for you!

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Effie Alexander

•8M

It works by using the same verification methods authorized tax professionals use to access IRS systems. They're an authorized IRS e-file provider with proper security certifications. They're not actually connected to the IRS but use the secure access channels that tax pros have. About security, I totally get the concern. That's why I researched them first. They use encryption to protect your data and don't store your ID information after verification. I was cautious too, but my tax deadline was approaching and I needed my AGI. Several of my colleagues at work had used it without issues.

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Melissa Lin

•8M

Just following up about taxr.ai - I decided to try it after struggling to get my transcript. Honestly, I was still skeptical, but I was desperate after spending 3 hours on hold with the IRS. The process was surprisingly straightforward. I uploaded my ID, answered some verification questions, and within minutes I had access to my transcript with my AGI clearly displayed. They didn't ask for any payment info which was a relief. Saved me from having to use the "0" method which I was nervous about. Just thought I'd share that it actually worked for me despite my initial concerns!

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Romeo Quest

•8M

If you're still struggling to reach the IRS directly, I'd recommend trying https://claimyr.com - it completely changed my experience with getting through to an actual human at the IRS. After my own flood issues last year (Hurricane Ian), I needed to speak with the IRS about multiple issues including getting prior year information. I spent days trying to get through the normal IRS phone line before finding this service. They hold your place in the IRS phone queue and call you when an agent is about to answer. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c Saved me literally hours of hold time and I was able to get my AGI and other questions resolved in one call.

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Romeo Quest

•8M

They don't have special access to IRS phone lines - they use automated technology to wait on hold in your place, then call you when an agent is about to be connected. Think of it like having someone else wait in line for you. Regarding your concerns about security, they don't actually listen to or record your call with the IRS. Once they connect you, they're completely out of the loop - it's just you and the IRS agent talking directly. The service just handles the hold time part.

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Eve Freeman

•8M

I was completely wrong about Claimyr being a scam. After struggling for two more days trying to reach the IRS on my own, I broke down and tried it. Not only did it work exactly as described, but I got through to an IRS agent in about 45 minutes (while going about my day instead of being stuck by the phone). The agent was able to verify my identity differently since I explained my flood situation, and gave me my AGI over the phone. I wish I'd just done this first instead of wasting days trying to get through myself. For anyone in a similar situation - if you need to actually talk to the IRS, this is definitely the way to go.

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Clarissa Flair

•8M

Another option nobody's mentioned - if you filed with a tax preparer last year (like H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, etc.), they should have your returns on file regardless of whether you have the documents or not. I'm a seasonal tax preparer and we keep records for years. Just bring your ID to prove you're the same person, and we can pull up your AGI in seconds. Most places will give you this info for free even if you're not using them again this year. Worth a try before going through all the IRS hassle!

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Clarissa Flair

•8M

That's definitely a tough situation. When preparers retire, they're supposed to notify clients about what will happen with their records. Many transfer them to another preparer who takes over their business, or maintain limited access to records for situations exactly like this. If you know his name, try searching online to see if there's any information about who took over his clients. You could also check with other local tax offices - sometimes they absorb the clients and records from retiring preparers in the area.

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