Total income refers to the sum of all sources of income received by an individual or organization within a specific period of time. This can include wages, salaries, bonuses, investment income, rental income, and any other forms of earnings. Total income is often used as a measure of an individual's or organization's financial well-being and is an important factor in determining tax liability.
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Google Gemini AI
Jul 18
Total Income
Total income refers to the sum of all income received by an individual, organization, or business during a specific period, typically a year. It includes all sources of income, regardless of whether they are taxable or non-taxable.
Total income can be categorized into two broad categories:
1. Earned Income:
- Wages, salaries, tips, and other payments received for services rendered as an employee. - Business income from self-employment or sole proprietorship. - Professional fees for services rendered as a professional, such as lawyers, accountants, and doctors.
2. Unearned Income (Passive Income):
- Investment income, such as dividends, interest, and capital gains. - Rental income from real estate properties. - Retirement income, such as pensions and annuities. - Other passive income sources, such as royalties, licensing fees, and trust distributions.
Components of Total Income
Total income typically includes the following components:
- Gross wages and salaries - Tips and bonuses - Business income - Capital gains - Dividends and interest - Rental income - Alimony or child support payments - Unemployment benefits - Pension or annuity income - Social Security benefits - Other income sources
Importance of Total Income
Total income is a crucial factor in determining:
- Tax liability - Eligibility for government assistance programs - Loan approvals and creditworthiness - Financial planning and budgeting
Distinction from Gross Income and Net Income
- Gross Income: Total income before any deductions or adjustments. - Total Income: Gross income minus certain deductions, such as business expenses or retirement contributions. - Net Income: Total income minus all deductions and exemptions, resulting in the amount of income subject to taxation.