Taxable Income: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Definition
Definition & Meaning
Taxable income is the amount of income that is subject to taxation by the federal government. It is calculated by taking your gross income and subtracting specific deductions allowed by the Internal Revenue Code. These deductions can include personal exemptions and the standard deduction, depending on whether you choose to itemize your deductions or not.
Legal Use & context
Taxable income is a crucial concept in tax law, relevant primarily in the context of income taxes. It applies to individuals and businesses when preparing their tax returns. Understanding how taxable income is computed is essential for compliance with tax regulations and for determining tax liabilities. Users can manage their tax filings using legal templates provided by services like US Legal Forms, which can help simplify the process.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A single taxpayer has a gross income of $50,000. They choose the standard deduction of $12,550. Their taxable income would be $37,450 ($50,000 - $12,550).
Example 2: A married couple with a gross income of $100,000 and two dependents decides to itemize their deductions, which total $30,000. Their taxable income would be $70,000 ($100,000 - $30,000). (hypothetical example)
Relevant laws & statutes
The primary statute governing taxable income is found in the Internal Revenue Code, specifically under 26 USCS § 63. This section outlines how taxable income is defined and calculated, including the provisions for deductions and exemptions.