Discuss in Detail: What Is Taxable Income?
Oct 28, 2023 By Triston Martin

Introduction

What Is Taxable Income? Wages and salaries are not the only forms of income subject to taxation. The term "passive income" refers to money gained through investments, gifts, and other means. Government benefits, alimony, debt cancellation, disability payments, strike benefits, lottery and gaming winnings are all examples of unearned income. Investment income can come from various sources, such as interest, dividends, and capital gains from selling assets that have risen in value over the year. Income from virtual currency, services or goods received in barter, and employer-provided fringe benefits are all examples of taxable income. Child support, insurance proceeds, inheritance, worker's comp, injury settlements, welfare, educational grants and scholarships, and retirement account contributions up to a certain limit are all examples of nontaxable income.

Taxable Income Example

Dagny has begun the arduous process of filing her taxes. Her salary from her position as a corporate vice president is taxable income, but the gains from her stock options will not be. Dagny's grandpa passed away not long ago, leaving her a large sum of money and a share in his railroad business. Since the estate taxes have already been paid, Dagny does not have to report the inheritance as taxable income. Dagny has a 401(k) plan in which she and the railroad her grandpa founded participate. Additionally, Dagny will not report this sum as taxable income.

Types of Taxable Income

It's common knowledge that failing to disclose income tax can have major repercussions for the individual. Therefore, to avoid any confusion when filing taxes, here is a rundown of the many sources of income:

1. Employee compensation and benefits

Wages, salaries, and other forms of compensation are the most common sources of taxable income.

2. Investment and business income

Self-employed people must pay taxes, which is most commonly done through the money made from their businesses. Income from things like rentals and partnerships is taxable.

3. Miscellaneous taxable income

Extraneous cash flow is everything that doesn't fall into the other earnings categories. This category contains debt forgiveness and insurance payouts in the event of death. Miscellaneous taxable income includes alimony, products used in barter trades, and money from a hobby.

Arriving at Taxable Income

Individuals and businesses have a starting point in their gross income, which is the sum of all their annual earnings. Income is subtracted from "above the line" deductions and exemptions, such as certain retirement plan contributions, higher education expenses, student loan interest, and alimony payments, to determine a taxpayer's taxable income for federal tax purposes. The resulting figure is the taxpayer's AGI (AGI). A taxpayer's taxable income is calculated by first calculating their adjusted gross income (AGI), then either taking the standard deduction or choosing to itemise their below-the-line deductions. Corporations' taxable income is calculated after deducting employee salaries, the cost of items sold, and other operating expenses.

Resident

An individual is considered a Resident for a Tax Year if they meet the following criteria: They spend one hundred and [eighty-three] or more days in Pakistan during the tax year (or a combination of shorter stays). Has been physically present in Pakistan for a total of one hundred twenty days or more in the tax year and a total of three hundred sixty-five days or more in the four years before the tax year; or Is a federal or provincial government employee or official who was stationed outside of Canada during the Tax Year. For a given Tax Year, an AOP is considered resident if its central management and control is located in Pakistan in whole or in part at any time during the year;

Fringe Benefits

Unless you pay a fair market price or the law specifically exempts them, any fringe benefits you receive in exchange for your services must be included in your income as compensation. Non-performance of services (as may be required by a covenant not to compete, for instance) shall be deemed to be the performance of such services for these regulations. One who receives a prerequisite. If you supply the services in exchange for the fringe benefit, you will receive that benefit.

If someone like a family member receives it on your behalf, you are still deemed the recipient. For instance, your spouse may receive a car from your employer as compensation for the work you do for the company. You, and not your spouse, are credited with receiving the car. A fringe benefit can be received by anyone, not just employees of the provider. Partners, directors, and independent contractors are eligible for fringe benefits.

Conclusion

The IRS considers taxable income the amount of your total income that they collect taxes on. It includes both monetary gains and inheritances. Compensation, profits from corporations and partnerships, and royalties are all examples of taxable income. Due to various allowances and reductions, taxable income is typically lower than AGI. Identifying your filing status and compiling documentation relating to all sources of income is the first step in computing your taxable income.