Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)

This may be the most important tax term since the tax code uses the AGI to limit a vast number of tax benefits. AGI is basically a taxpayer’s gross taxable income from all sources (gross income) reduced by certain allowable adjustments, sometimes referred to as above-the-line deductions, which are deductible whether or not the taxpayer itemizes their deductions. The more frequently encountered adjustments include deductions for deductible IRA contributions, moving, alimony payments, higher education interest, forfeited interest and deductions for health insurance premiums, pension plan contributions and 50% of SE tax for self-employed individuals.