Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is one of the core tax terms used by Federal and many State taxing authorities. So, what is it and why is it important?
The Federal formula for AGI is:
AGI = Gross Income – Adjustments from Gross Income
Gross Income. For most of us, Gross Income is our wages as shown on a W-2 at the end of the year. It also includes taxable interest income, retirement income (including Social Security benefits), and dividends. But there are many other components to Gross Income. Here is a list of the most common:
| Alimony received Annuities and pensions Commissions, tips, bonuses Dividends Farm income (net) Gains on sales and exchanges Business income (loss) Illegal gains Interest income Net rental and royalty activity | Prizes and awards Rents and royalty income (net) Retirement plan distributions S Corp and partnership income Social Security income State and local tax refunds Trust and estate distributions Unemployment compensation Wages and salaries Loss from sale or exchange |
Common Deductions from Gross Income. To get to AGI a number of reductions are allowed. Some are quite common, such as alimony paid to someone else, while others are less common. Here is a brief list of the most likely adjustments you may experience.
| Alimony paid Contributions to IRAs Domestic Production Activities Deduction Educator expense Medical/Health Savings Account contributions Moving expense Qualified educational expense | Qualified student loan interest Repayments: Unemployment compensation and jury duty pay Savings early withdrawal penalties Self-employed health insurance Self-employed retirement plan contributions Trade and business expense |
What you should know
AGI is not Taxable Income. Before you can determine the tax you will pay, you need to subtract deductions (either the Standard Deduction or Itemized Deductions) and Personal Exemptions for you and your family members. So do not confuse the term AGI with Taxable Income, they are not the same thing.
AGI is the starting point. On the other hand, AGI is an important figure in the world of taxes.
State income taxes. Most states use AGI as the starting point to determine your tax obligation to them. They will use this figure and then make adjustments to get to their state basis taxable income.
Phase-outs. Federal tax legislation reintroduced tax code that reduces your Deductions and Exemptions. This reduction raises your Taxable Income and is based upon your AGI. Understanding and managing your AGI can have a real impact on how much of your Exemptions and Deductions you will be able to use.
Modified AGI. The IRS and writers of tax code like to use AGI as the starting point for other tax provisions. You might see the term “Modified AGI” when this occurs. The actual definition of Modified AGI will vary depending on the tax calculation being constructed. Typical add backs to AGI are tax exempt interest, excluded portions of Social Security benefits and other tax-free income.
While you do not need to fully understand the details behind the calculation, it is helpful to be aware of this important tax term. It is often the starting point for effective tax planning. Our team of financial professionals is happy to help walk through any questions you may have regarding AGI and deductions. Schedule a free consultation here: https://bas-pc.com/appointment-center