Under deductions & credits, it asked if I made less this year than 2016, I said yes and it's asking for my 2016 earned income. Is that the same as my AIG?

[EBG · Accepted solution]

Great question! No, they aren't. Your AGI includes ALL income you've received in a year, including investment and dividends, as well as some deductions and credits, as explained here https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/irs-tax-return/what-is-adjusted-gross-income-agi/L2C6rCEit:

"AGI calculation

The AGI calculation is relatively straightforward.

• It is equal to the total income you report that’s subject to income tax—such as earnings from your job, self-employment, alimony income and interest from a bank account—minus specific deductions, or “adjustments” that you’re eligible to take.
• Your AGI is calculated before you take exemptions and the standard or itemized deduction—which you report in later sections of the return."

while your EARNED is explained here (basically earned income only includes money you've worked for in some shape or form):

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2899928-what-is-earned-income

[PaulaM]

Earned Income. According to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), earned income includes only certain earnings over the course of any given year. These specific income items include your wages or salary, commissions and bonuses, as well as business income net of expenses if you are self-employed

Adjusted gross income (AGI) is an individual's total earned income minus specific deductions. Taxable income is adjusted gross income minus allowances for personal exemptions and itemized deductions. For most individual tax purposes, AGI is more relevant than earned income.

See IRS links below.

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/earned-income

https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/definition-of-adjusted-gross-income