Unfortunately, we have no idea why IRS is not recognizing the agi of last year's returns in some situations. Some situations, taxpayers filed an amended return since the original and have updated that agi of the amended return. Some situations are because IRS is behind on processing 2019 returns. If IRS has not processed your 2019 return, then you would need to enter the $0 for your prior year agi.
IRS is still processing 2019 paper returns from last year.
Here is some information from IRS.gov:
Special Instructions to Validate Your 2020 Electronic Tax Return
If your 2019 tax return has not yet been processed, enter $0 (zero dollars) for your prior year adjusted gross income (AGI).
If you used the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool in 2020 to register for an Economic Impact Payment in 2020, enter $1 as your prior year AGI. For more information, see Claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren’t required to file a tax return.
When self-preparing your taxes and filing electronically, you must sign and validate your electronic tax return by entering your prior-year Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) or your prior-year Self-Select PIN.
Generally, tax software automatically enters the information for returning customers. If you are using a software product for the first time, you may have to enter the information yourself.
There are several ways to find your prior-year AGI:
Preferred Method
You should always retain a copy of your tax return.
- On your 2019 tax return, your AGI is on line 8b of the Form 1040.
- If you used a paid preparer last year, you might obtain a copy of last year’s tax return from that preparer.
- If you are using the same tax preparation software that you used last year, that software will likely have your prior-year tax return for you to access.
- If you’re not using the same tax preparation software as last year, you may be able to access your prior-year software and view an electronic copy of your prior-year return.
- If you are a first-time filer over the age of 16 enter zero as your AGI.
- If you have an Identity Protection (IP) PIN (via a CP01A or the Get an IP PIN Tool), you should enter it when prompted by your software. It will serve to verify your identity, instead of your prior-year AGI or prior-year Self Select PIN. Starting mid-January 2021, you can opt into the IP PIN program through the online tool.
Alternative Methods
If you do not have a copy of your tax return, you may use a Get Transcript self-help tool to get a Tax Return Transcript showing your AGI.
- Use Get Transcript Online to immediately view your AGI. You must pass the Secure Access identity verification process. Select the Tax Return Transcript and use only the “Adjusted Gross Income” line entry.
- Use Get Transcript by Mail or call 800-908-9946 if you cannot pass Secure Access and need to request a Tax Return Transcript. Please allow 5 to 10 days for delivery. Use only the “Adjusted Gross Income” line entry.
