Gross income

Gross income in United States income tax law is generally receipts and gains from all sources. Gross income is the starting point for determining Federal and state income tax of individuals, corporations, estates and trusts, whether resident or nonresident.

Under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, "Except as otherwise provided" by law, gross income means "all income from whatever source derived," and is not limited to cash received. Federal tax regulations interpret this general rule. The amount of income recognized is generally the value received or the value which the taxpayer has a right to receive. Certain types of income are specifically excluded from gross income.

The time at which gross income becomes taxable is determined under Federal tax rules, which differ in some cases from financial accounting rules.

Individuals, corporations, members of partnerships, estates, trusts, and their beneficiaries ("taxpayers") are subject to Income tax in the United States. The amount on which tax is computed, taxable income, equals gross income less allowable tax deductions.

The Internal Revenue Code gives specific examples. The examples are not all inclusive. The term "income" is not defined in the statute or regulations. An early Supreme Court case stated, "Income may be defined as the gain derived from capital, from labor, or from both combined, provided it is understood to include profit gained through a sale or conversion of capital assets." The Court also held that the amount of gross income on disposition of property is the proceeds less the basis (usually, the acquisition cost) of the property.

Gross income is not limited to cash received. "It includes income realized in any form, whether money, property, or services."

Following are some of the things that are included in income:

Gifts and inheritances are not considered income to the recipient under U.S. law. However, gift or estate tax may be imposed on the donor or the estate of the decedent.

A taxpayer must include income as part of taxable income in the year recognized under the taxpayer's method of accounting. Generally, a taxpayer using the cash method of accounting (cash basis taxpayer) recognizes income when received. A taxpayer using the accrual method (accrual basis taxpayer) recognizes income when earned. Income is generally considered earned:

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