Using different AGIs when e-filing jointly

[5NV]

Me and my wife filed jointly last year (printed and mailed).

When I tried to e-file this year with our joint AGI from last year I got the spouse AGI mismatch error: "IND-032-04 - 'SpousePriorYearPIN' or 'SpousePriorYearAGIAmt' in the Return Header must match the e-File database".

When we use 0 as AGI for both of us, we get the generic AGI error: "IND-031-04 - The primary taxpayer's AGI or Self-select PIN from last year does not match IRS records".

I assume IRS has my AGI set correctly but doesn't have the correct AGI for my wife... I tried the various "return was not processed yet" options in TurboTax but couldn't get it to accept different AGIs for me and my wife.

Does TurboTax support using the actual AGI for me, while using 0 for my wife?

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P.S. I should mention that my wife has a self-selected PIN, not sure if this is related.

P.P.S. I'm using TurboTax Online Premium 2023

[Mike9241]

The issue is not with Tutbotax but the IRS.  Since you filed jointly in 2022 the AGI you should be using for 2023 for both of you is the amount on the joint return. There is no reason for the IRS to have different AGIs for 2022 if you originally file jointly. If you first filed separately and then amended to a joint return. then the proper AGI would be off the separate returns. One other thing to check is that her SSN is correct. You can use the joint return AGI for yourself and 0 for your spouse, but it's likely to be rejected.  Sometimes there's an issue with the IRS database which would require you to file by mail. 

but first, I suggest, checking the iRS transcript of your 2022 return 

https://sa.www4.irs.gov/sso/?resumePath=%2Fas%2FMawfXhkY41%2Fresume%2Fas%2Fauthorization.ping&allowI... 

[5NV]

Hi Mike, thank you for your answer!

No, we didn't amend our return, just filed jointly... I have verified my spouse SSN, and I'm now trying to get the transcripts as you suggested (website shows "Opening document..." but seems to be stuck).

Any chance you can instruct me how to use the joint return AGI for myself and 0 for my spouse using the online version of TurboTax? I understand this is not very likely to work, but maybe it's worth a shot?

Also, I've seen here I am filing my 2023 taxes and they’ve been rejected & the reasoning is that the AGI is incorrect fro... that someone suggested to try choosing the option of "did not file last year" in cases where there is a discrepancy in IRS DBs. Could that work in my case?

[5NV]

Updating that our case the transcripts have the correct AGI for which we get the errors.

[5NV · Accepted solution]

As a reference for others, reporting different AGIs (the correct sum for me and 0 for my wife) solved the problem and the return was accepted for e-filing.

[sr1990]

Hello, 

May I ask how you reported different AGIs when e-filing? Turbotax is not giving me that option.

[5NV]

IIRC Turbotax tries to choose the right option for you by asking if this is the first return you file jointly. If you answer "No", you can input only a single AGI.

I believe I read in some discussion here that the answer you give to that question is not sent to the IRS, but I wasn't able to find it now.

Anyway, it was the second year of filing jointly, but the first we filed electronically. I just tried answering "Yes" to the first-time-jointly-return question and Turbotax gave me the option to provide two AGIs.

In our case everything was processed correctly, but I should emphasize that I don't really know if that is the "right" way to go.

[CatinaT1]

The IRS uses your prior year AGI to combat fraud.   

You can find your 2023 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) by:

• Looking at line 11 on page 1 of your 2023 Form 1040
• Requesting a transcript of your 2023 tax return from the IRS. You can request your transcript online at the following link: Get Transcript 

Please click on this TurboTax article for more information. 

Check these items as well to ensure you have the correct number.  If you: 

• Filed late last year after mid-November or your return was processed after that time—try entering 0. 
• Amended your return last year—make sure you’re using the AGI from your original return, not the amended one. (If you only have a 1040X form, it’s on line 1, column A). 
• Rounded your AGI to the nearest dollar—be sure to round up when it’s 50 cents or more and down when it’s 49 cents or less. 
• Filed with your spouse last year—you and your spouse have the same 2023 AGI. (Don’t split the AGI amount or enter  0  for one of you). 

Time-saving Tip: If what you entered is correct and you continue to get a reject, you won't be able to e-file. There's probably a data mismatch at the government, or some other situation beyond your control that prevents your return from being e-filed. In this case, your only option would be to print and mail in your return. 

This article will give you instruction on how to print and mail your return.