- Information Needed to E-file
Information You'll Need to E-file Your 2008 Tax Return
The IRS requires some information from you to verify your identity when you e-file.
Prior to this year, you could print and file Form 8453-OL with your signature. However, the IRS has eliminated Form 8453-OL.
Going forward, to e-file, anyone using any brand of tax software will need to provide one of these numbers:
- Your exact AGI (adjusted gross income) from last year. We'll show you where to find it.
OR
- Your e-file PIN (personal identification number) from last year. If you used a PIN to e-file last year, and you remember it, that will work, too.
Don't worry if:
- You're a first-time taxpayer, or
- You didn't e-file last year, or
- You've e-filed in the past but didn't file last year
TurboTax automatically enters a zero when we ask you for your AGI. The IRS will process this return.
How can I find my AGI or PIN?
Even if you don't have a copy of your tax return, you may be able to get the information you need. Here's how:
- Check last year's TurboTax program
- Contact the IRS
- Check other documents you may have in your records
Check last year's TurboTax program
Which version of TurboTax did you use last year?
- TurboTax Online: Your tax return from last year will be stored as a PDF file in your TurboTax account. Click here to learn how to get it. Once you have retrieved your tax return as a PDF, you can click here to see where on the tax return to find the AGI.
- TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download): If you still have last year's program installed, you can open it and view the information on the tax return. Click here to learn how to do that.
If you have a printed copy or a PDF file of your tax return, you can take your AGI directly from it. You can find your prior-year AGI in one of these locations:
- On the standard form 1040, look on line 37.
- On form 1040A, look on line 21.
- On form 1040EZ, look on line 4.
If you amended last year's tax return, use the AGI from your original tax return.
Contact the IRS
The IRS understands that some taxpayers may not have the required information for e-filing their tax returns. That's why you can call the IRS toll-free help line at (800) 829-1040 and choose the option to get your prior-year’s AGI and PIN.
Note: When contacting the IRS for AGI information, make sure to tell the agent that you need your 2007 AGI for e-filing from the return you originally filed.
And don't worry: calling will not put your tax return at risk of an audit or any other undue attention.
Check other documents you may have in your records
Even if you don't have your tax return in your records, other documents may include a copy of your tax return or at least show your 2007 AGI.
For example, if you filled out a FAFSA or other student loan documents (either for yourself or your children), your AGI may have been one of the items you entered on the form. On the FAFSA, your AGI would be entered in step 4, on line 79.
Other documents that require a copy of your tax return include home loan applications and legal documents related to a divorce or other proceedings.
Video help
Here's a quick video with helpful information about your AGI:
