Taxable Income
Definition
The portion of your gross income that is subject to income tax after all deductions, exemptions, and adjustments have been applied.
Formula
Taxable Income = Gross Income - Above-the-Line Deductions - (Standard or Itemized Deduction)Taxable income is the amount of income used to calculate how much tax you owe. It starts with gross income and is reduced by above-the-line deductions (to get Adjusted Gross Income), followed by either the standard deduction or itemized deductions.
Not all income is taxable. Tax-exempt income includes municipal bond interest, gifts, inheritances (up to certain limits), life insurance proceeds, and Roth IRA withdrawals. Tax-deferred income, such as Traditional IRA or 401(k) contributions, reduces current taxable income but is taxed upon withdrawal.
Minimizing taxable income through legal strategies is a key component of tax planning. Contributing the maximum to retirement accounts, using health savings accounts, timing capital gains and losses, and taking advantage of all available deductions and credits can significantly reduce your tax bill.
Related Calculators
Related Terms
Gross Income
financeThe total income earned before any deductions, taxes, or withholdings are subtracted.
Standard Deduction
financeA fixed dollar amount that reduces the amount of income subject to tax, available to all taxpayers who do not itemize deductions.
Tax Bracket
financeA range of income levels taxed at a specific rate within a progressive tax system where higher income is taxed at higher rates.
Tax Deduction
financeAn expense that can be subtracted from gross income to reduce the amount of income subject to taxation.
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