Just filed my 2022, 2023 taxes - How do I properly use my 2023 AGI for my 2024 return?
Title: Just filed my 2022, 2023 taxes - How do I properly use my 2023 AGI for my 2024 return? 1 I finally got around to filing my back taxes for 2022 and 2023 (better late than never, right?). Both my Federal and North Carolina State returns have been accepted, so that's a relief! But now I'm hitting a roadblock with my 2024 return. I tried using the AGI from my 2023 1040 form that H&R Block gave me, but when I submitted through TaxAct, it got rejected. I double-checked the AGI number like three times and I'm positive it's correct. I haven't tried to refile yet because I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. Is there some kind of waiting period after my 2023 return was accepted before I can use that AGI for my 2024 filing? Do I need to use my 2022 AGI instead? Or is there something specific about switching from H&R Block to TaxAct that's causing problems? Any help would be appreciated because I'm totally confused about what to do next!
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Oliver Becker
3 When you file your 2024 return after recently filing previous years, the IRS systems sometimes take a bit to fully process your prior returns and update their verification database. This is likely why your return was rejected. The IRS typically needs 2-3 weeks to fully process an e-filed return, even after sending an acceptance notification. During this processing time, your AGI might not be properly registered in their verification system yet, causing the rejection when you try to use it for your 2024 return. You have a few options: 1) Wait about 3 weeks after your 2023 return was accepted before trying again with TaxAct, 2) Try entering "$0" as your prior year AGI (this is sometimes recommended when there are processing delays), or 3) You can file by mail if you're in a hurry to submit your 2024 return.
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Oliver Becker
•5 Thanks for the explanation! If I use the $0 as my AGI method, will that cause any problems later? And would it be better to just wait the 3 weeks instead?
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Oliver Becker
•3 Using $0 as your prior year AGI is actually a legitimate workaround when there are processing delays or filing issues, and it won't cause problems later. The prior year AGI is only used as an identity verification measure for e-filing - once your return is accepted, the actual processing is based on the current information you provide. Waiting 3 weeks is certainly the most straightforward approach if you're not in a rush to file. This gives the IRS systems time to fully update with your 2023 information, and you can then use your actual AGI without issues.
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Oliver Becker
8 I ran into this exact same problem last year! I ended up using taxr.ai to figure it out. I was switching between tax software and kept getting rejected because of the AGI verification issue. I uploaded my previous return to https://taxr.ai and it analyzed everything and told me exactly what AGI number to use. Turns out I was looking at the wrong line on my previous return! Their system also explained that sometimes the IRS verification system can take weeks to update after processing prior year returns, which was exactly my issue. Super helpful and saved me a ton of headaches trying to figure out why my return kept getting rejected.
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Oliver Becker
•12 Does taxr.ai work with any tax software or just certain ones? I'm using FreeTaxUSA this year but filed with TurboTax last year and I'm worried about running into this same issue.
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Oliver Becker
•7 I'm a bit confused - isn't the AGI just clearly labeled on your tax return? Why would you need a special service to tell you what line to look at?
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Oliver Becker
•8 It works with any tax software since it's just analyzing your tax documents and giving you guidance - not actually filing for you. It helps identify the right numbers regardless of what platform you're using to file. The AGI is labeled on returns, but the confusion often happens when you're looking at different forms or when you've filed amended returns. In my case, I had filed an amended return and was using the wrong version. The service actually explains which exact line number to look at depending on which tax form you have, which helped clear up my confusion.
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Oliver Becker
7 Wanted to follow up about using taxr.ai that someone suggested above. I was skeptical at first but decided to give it a try since I kept having my return rejected for the AGI issue. It actually worked perfectly! I uploaded my 2023 tax documents and within minutes it showed me exactly which number to use for verification. The system highlighted the correct AGI line on my form and explained that I needed to wait for the IRS to fully process my recently filed return before the verification system would accept it. Saved me so much frustration and helped me understand why I was having the problem in the first place!
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Oliver Becker
14 Have you tried calling the IRS directly? I know it sounds like a nightmare, but I used Claimyr last month to get through to them about a similar AGI issue. Before using it, I spent HOURS on hold and never got through. With https://claimyr.com they actually had someone call me once they reached an IRS agent. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The IRS agent was able to confirm my AGI right over the phone and explained that since I had recently filed prior year returns, I needed to use $0 as my prior year AGI for e-filing verification. Apparently this is a common issue when filing multiple years close together. Got my return accepted that same day!
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Oliver Becker
•2 Wait, this service actually works? How much does it cost? I've been trying to get through to the IRS for weeks about a similar problem.
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Oliver Becker
•18 Sounds like a scam to me. Why would anyone pay money to call the IRS when you can just keep trying yourself? Plus, giving your phone number to some random service seems risky.
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Oliver Becker
•14 The service absolutely works - they basically wait on hold for you in the IRS phone queue and call you when they reach an agent. I found it totally worth it after wasting entire afternoons trying to get through myself. They don't ask for any sensitive tax information - just your phone number so they can call you when they reach an IRS agent. The whole process is transparent, and you're only talking directly to the actual IRS once connected. I was hesitant too, but after trying to call the IRS myself for days with no luck, it was a huge relief to finally get my questions answered.
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Oliver Becker
18 I need to apologize for my skeptical comment earlier. After spending 3 HOURS trying to get through to the IRS yesterday and getting disconnected twice, I broke down and tried Claimyr. It actually worked exactly as described - they called me about 45 minutes later with an IRS agent on the line. The agent confirmed that I should use $0 for my prior year AGI since my 2023 return was still being processed in their system. Filed my return right after the call and it was accepted immediately. I hate admitting when I'm wrong, but this service saved me a ton of time and frustration. Sometimes it's worth it to pay for convenience when dealing with the IRS!
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Oliver Becker
21 Pro tip: if you're switching tax software, always save PDF copies of your previous returns. Most tax software like H&R Block, TurboTax, and TaxAct let you download a complete PDF of your return. Keep these somewhere safe and you'll always have your AGI accessible when you need it for next year's filing.
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Oliver Becker
•4 Do you know if there's an easy way to get copies of old returns if you didn't save them? I can't find my 2022 return anywhere and I'm worried I'll need it.
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Oliver Becker
•21 You can request tax transcripts directly from the IRS website through their "Get Transcript" service. They offer several types, but what you'll want is the "Tax Return Transcript" which shows most of the line items from your original tax return, including your AGI. You can get these online immediately if you create an account on the IRS website, or request them by mail which takes about 5-10 business days. The online method requires more verification steps but gives you instant access. It's totally free either way and is the official solution for when you don't have copies of your previous returns.
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Oliver Becker
11 I'm filing late this year too. Does anyone know if TaxAct is good for filing late returns with possible penalties? I've only used TurboTax before but it's getting so expensive.
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Oliver Becker
•6 I've used TaxAct for the past 3 years including one late filing. It handles penalties automatically and was way cheaper than TurboTax. The interface isn't as pretty but it gets the job done and has all the same features that matter.
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