Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
Your total gross income minus specific "above-the-line" adjustments such as retirement contributions, student loan interest, and self-employment tax deductions.
How It Works
Adjusted gross income is one of the most important numbers on your tax return because it determines eligibility for many deductions, credits, and tax benefits. AGI starts with all income — wages, salaries, investment gains, business income, rental income, and retirement distributions — then subtracts "above-the-line" deductions. These adjustments include traditional IRA contributions, student loan interest (up to $2,500), half of self-employment tax, health savings account contributions, and educator expenses. AGI appears on line 11 of Form 1040. Many tax provisions phase out at specific AGI thresholds. For example, the Child Tax Credit begins phasing out at $200,000 AGI for single filers, Roth IRA contribution eligibility phases out between $150,000 and $165,000 for single filers in 2025, and the premium tax credit for marketplace health insurance uses modified AGI. Lowering your AGI through retirement contributions or HSA contributions can unlock credits and deductions that would otherwise be unavailable. This makes AGI management a powerful tax planning tool. Some taxpayers contribute to traditional 401(k) plans specifically to reduce their AGI below key thresholds, even when a Roth contribution might otherwise be preferred.
Related Terms
Taxable Income
The portion of your income subject to federal income tax, calculated as adjusted gross income minus deductions (standard or itemized).
Standard Deduction
A fixed dollar amount that reduces your taxable income, available to all taxpayers who do not itemize deductions.
401(k) Tax Benefit
Tax-deferred retirement savings through employer-sponsored 401(k) plans, with pre-tax contributions reducing current taxable income up to $23,500 in 2025.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
A refundable federal tax credit for low- to moderate-income workers that can provide up to $7,830 for families with three or more qualifying children.