Annual Receipts: A Comprehensive Guide to Legal Definitions and Calculations

Definition & Meaning

Annual receipts refer to a business's total income over the most recent three completed fiscal years. This includes gross income and cost of goods sold as reported on the firm's Federal Income Tax return. However, it does not account for net capital gains or losses, nor does it include taxes that are collected and remitted to a taxing authority if these amounts are already included in the gross income. Certain professionals, such as travel agents, real estate agents, and advertising agents, must deduct amounts collected on behalf of others when calculating their annual receipts.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A small advertising agency reports total income of $300,000 over the last three years. They must deduct $50,000 collected on behalf of clients when calculating their annual receipts.

(hypothetical example)

State-by-state differences

Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):

State Annual Receipts Definition
California Includes gross receipts from all sources.
New York Excludes certain non-operational income.
Texas Considers total revenue from business activities.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Gross Income Total income before any deductions. Annual receipts include specific deductions and time frames.
Net Income Income after all expenses and taxes. Annual receipts do not consider expenses; they focus on total income.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you need to calculate your annual receipts, gather your business's financial records for the last three fiscal years. Ensure you include gross income and cost of goods sold while excluding any non-relevant amounts. For assistance, consider using US Legal Forms to access templates that can help you prepare the necessary documentation. If your situation is complex, consulting a legal professional may be advisable.

Quick facts

  • Typical time frame: Last three completed fiscal years
  • Exclusions: Net capital gains/losses, taxes collected for remittance
  • Applicable professions: Agents in travel, real estate, advertising, and more

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

Annual receipts are the total income of a business over the last three fiscal years, excluding certain deductions.