Adjustments are deductions from total income allowed by the IRS to get your adjusted gross income. This includes items that allow you to pay for specific items on a before-tax basis, or reduce income for specific payments or taxes. Items paid for on a pre-tax basis include flexible spending plans or medical savings accounts where money for medical expenses is paid before tax. Reductions in income for specific payments include interest payments on student loans, tuition and fees deductions, and deductions of one-half self-employment tax. Note that certain adjustments to income are phased out or eliminated as your adjusted gross income increases beyond a specific amount, such as the ability to contribute to certain kinds of individual retirement accounts. Total income minus adjustments gives you your adjusted gross income (AGI).