- Error 0679 or 0680: Prior-year AGI doesn't match IRS
Error 0679 or 0680: Prior-year AGI doesn't match IRS
This error message occurs when checking the status of an e-filed return. The complete message reads as follows:
Error Code 0679: The amount you entered for your prior year's adjusted gross income (AGI) does not match what the IRS has in its records.
OR
Error Code 0680: The amount entered for the spouse's prior year adjusted gross income (AGI) does not match what the IRS has in its records.
About this error
The "last year's" adjusted gross income (AGI) that you provided with your electronic signature for the taxpayer or spouse does not match the one on file with the IRS.
When you e-filed your return, the IRS compared the prior-year AGI that you provided with the prior-year AGI they have on file for you. This is done by comparing your Social Security number (SSN) to the originally filed AGI in their database. The AGI amount you entered must exactly match the one in the IRS's records.
For more information, see Information You'll Need to E-file Your Income Tax Return.
How to find the correct AGI
Verify that last year's Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is correct against a printed copy of your last year's tax return. If you're filing jointly, be sure to check the AGI for both the primary and secondary taxpayer.
- Check your copy of last year's tax return. Look for the amount in the adjusted gross income line on your 1040 (line 37), 1040A (line 21), or 1040EZ (line 4).
- If you amended your return, use the AGI filed with your original return prior to any adjustments.
- If you did not file jointly last year and you are this year, enter the amount for each of you as shown on your individual returns.
If you don't have a copy of last year's return, call the IRS at (800) 829-1040 and choose the option to get your prior year’s AGI and PIN. Make sure to tell the agent that you need your 2007 AGI for e-filing from the return you originally filed.
You'll need to provide this information:
- Social Security number
- Primary taxpayer name
- Address on return
- Current address (if it’s changed since then)
- Date of birth
- Filing status last year
- What type of form filed (1040, 1040ez, 1040a)
- Were you employed in tax year 2007?
- If so, by whom?
For most people, AGI mismatches can be difficult to correct, but that doesn't mean it's impossible -- especially if you simply made an error entering a number.
How to resolve this error
Follow the tips above to find the correct AGI. Make sure to get the exact amount from the return you originally filed, not an amended return.
Select the Print & File tab and follow the on-screen instructions to e-file your return. When you get to the Review Your Federal Filing Choices Screen, select the second Edit button from the top (as shown below), and then follow the on-screen instructions to enter your correct AGI.
In some cases, though, you may be required to enter a different value. Here's what to do if:
- You filed using an ITN (IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) last year and now have a Social Security number (SSN): Enter a zero as the prior-year AGI amount.
- Your spouse filed using an ITN (IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) last year and now has a Social Security number (SSN): Enter a zero for your spouse’s prior-year AGI amount.
- You filed a joint return last year with a different spouse: Use the AGI amount from the joint return filed with the ex-spouse.
- You filed an amended return or the IRS automatically adjusted your prior-year return: You must use the original AGI amount from the originally filed return. The return will be rejected if the amended AGI is used. Do not use amounts from an amended return, a corrected amount from a math error notice, or a changed amount from the IRS.
- You filed your 2007 tax return after December 7, 2008: Your AGI should be entered as zero.
- You're getting rejected for a joint return: Try entering a zero for whichever person is being rejected (0679 - Taxpayer or 0680 - Spouse). Then resubmit your tax return.
- You had a negative AGI in 2007: Enter the negative amount.
