Annual gross income, also referred to as pre-tax gross income, is the total income of an individual earns before taxes, after deductions and before tax withholdings. Gross income does not include self-employment income, retirement income, gifts, and payments from government programs. Pre-tax gross income is taxable.
Gross income is often determined by taking the person’s federal income tax return and subtracting it from their state income tax return. This allows for a determination of the person’s total gross income and thus, how much tax they owe to the IRS. In addition to calculating the person’s federal and state income tax liability, this method of determining gross income requires the person’s federal tax return to be filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If an individual’s state income tax returns are filed, the state government will calculate their gross income based on these returns as well. The difference between the two methods of calculating gross income is what a person will have to pay to the IRS, and the amount that is left over is the individual’s gross income.
To determine a person’s gross income for tax purposes, the person must take into account all of their income sources. All income from all sources, such as commissions and bonuses, as well as all interest and dividends, must be taken into account. An individual must also include any retirement income and investments in a person’s state tax returns, as well as the individual’s Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits. These other income sources, and even the person’s net rental income and personal casualty losses, are all considered for purposes of determining a person’s gross income.
The gross income may be divided by the number of tax years to arrive at an annual amount. If the tax year is only one, then the annual amount is usually the first full tax year of that year, if the tax year is many, then it is the last full year of that year.
The Internal Revenue Service publishes its own tax tables, which are commonly referred to as the Tax Tables. In addition to these published tax tables, the Internal Revenue Service maintains a website that contains tax information and tax help. Some states and cities also maintain a website that contains tax information and tax help. If a taxpayer is unable to find the published Tax Tables in their own state, they can use the Taxpayers Information Center at the IRS website. For help in finding the Taxpayers Information Center, a taxpayer can visit the website and click on the search box under “Publications and Tax Help.”
Most taxpayers are required by law to file their annual income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service on the first day of April. For a tax return to be considered complete, a taxpayer must file the return by the deadline specified in the form. Failure to file a timely tax return can result in a fine, jail time, and other penalties that may affect an individual’s financial status.
Before filing a tax return, a taxpayer must fill out the Free Application for Federal Taxpayer Identification Number (FBAR) forms. This form is free and can be obtained from any of the IRS website or by visiting the IRS website.
A tax return is only valid if it includes all the information listed on the form. Any mistakes on a tax return can cause problems for an individual’s tax return and can cost them. To get the most accurate information on your return, it is recommended that the taxpayer seek professional help.
