Income Categories

Browse Investopedia's expert-written library to learn more about how U.S. law categorizes different types of income.

The word “TAX” in cut-out letters stands beside a pencil and federal income tax form. The word “TAX” in cut-out letters stands beside a pencil and federal income tax form.
Income Tax vs. Capital Gains Tax: What's the Difference?
By
Evan Tarver
Updated Nov 08, 2024
An adult couple sit together on a sofa using a laptop to review the interest and dividends earned on their retirement accounts. An adult couple sit together on a sofa using a laptop to review the interest and dividends earned on their retirement accounts.
What Is Unearned Income and How Is It Taxed?
By
Julia Kagan
Updated Nov 14, 2023
Adjusted gross income AGI. Adjusted gross income AGI.
Net Income vs. Adjusted Gross Income (AGI): What's the Difference?
By
Sean Ross
Updated Nov 27, 2024
Woman counting $20 bills in her hand Woman counting $20 bills in her hand
Federal Withholding Tax vs. State Withholding Tax: What's the Difference?
By
Sean Ross
Updated Nov 22, 2024
Tax forms, glasses, calculator, pen Tax forms, glasses, calculator, pen
What Is Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)?
By
Jason Fernando
Updated Jun 08, 2024
Annualized Income Definition, Formula, and Example
By
James Chen
Updated Nov 16, 2023
Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI)
Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI): Calculating and Using It
By
Jason Fernando
Updated Feb 17, 2024
Conveyor belt in factory Conveyor belt in factory
Capital Cost Allowance (CCA): Definition and How Deduction Works
By
Will Kenton
Updated Dec 21, 2023
A miniature model house standing on a heap of dollar bills. A miniature model house standing on a heap of dollar bills.
Land Value Tax: What it is, How it Works
By
Julia Kagan
Updated Nov 29, 2020
Pretax Earnings: Definition, Use, How To Calculate, and Example
By
Will Kenton
Updated Jul 24, 2024
Three people walking and talking with books. Three people walking and talking with books.
After-Tax Income: Overview and Calculations
By
Julia Kagan
Updated Apr 22, 2021
A calculator with the word pay on its display A calculator with the word pay on its display
What Is Take-Home Pay? Definition, Vs. Gross Pay, and Example
By
Michelle P. Scott
Updated Jun 22, 2020
Contemporary financial skyscrapers from ground view against sky Contemporary financial skyscrapers from ground view against sky
Adjusted Net Income Definition and How It Is Determined
By
Brian Beers
Updated Nov 15, 2023
Mother with disabled child Mother with disabled child
Qualified Adoption Expenses (QAE): What It Is and How It Works
By
Julia Kagan
Updated Nov 10, 2024
Businessman Using Calculator Businessman Using Calculator
Annualized Income Installment Method Definition, When to Use It
By
Julia Kagan
Updated Sep 20, 2021
Future Income Taxes: What They are, How They Work
By
Julia Kagan
Updated Aug 29, 2020
7 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Tax Person 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Tax Person
Understanding Earned Income and the Earned Income Tax Credit
By
The Investopedia Team
Updated Nov 02, 2024
Amount Recognized Amount Recognized
Amount Recognized: What It Means, How It Works, Example
By
Julia Kagan
Updated Nov 30, 2020
Levy: What It Is and How It's Used
By
Julia Kagan
Updated Dec 08, 2023
$100 bill and Medicare card $100 bill and Medicare card
Medicare Wages: Definition, How They're Taxed, Limits, and Rates
By
Julia Kagan
Updated Oct 31, 2023
Active Income: Overview, Examples vs Passive Income
By
Julia Kagan
Updated Dec 29, 2021
Gift Tax: A federal tax applied to gifts of money or property over a certain sum. Gift Tax: A federal tax applied to gifts of money or property over a certain sum.
Gift Tax: What It Is and How It Works
By
Julia Kagan
Updated Oct 29, 2024
Federal Tax Regulations Federal Tax Regulations
Provisional Taxes: What They Are and How They Work
By
Julia Kagan
Updated Nov 10, 2024
Person trying to make a decision in front of a computer Person trying to make a decision in front of a computer
What Is EITC Disqualifying Income?
By
Julia Kagan
Updated Nov 06, 2024
Main Home: What It Is, How It Works, Transfer
By
James Chen
Updated Nov 30, 2020
Income Basket Income Basket
Income Basket: What It Means, How It Works
By
Julia Kagan
Updated Feb 12, 2021
Silent Automatic Lien Silent Automatic Lien
Silent Automatic Lien
By
Julia Kagan
Updated Feb 09, 2021
Senior couple couple walking in front of their home Senior couple couple walking in front of their home
AGI vs. MAGI: What's the Difference?
By
Melissa Horton
Updated Jul 22, 2024