Gross Income

Gross income is the total earnings an individual or business brings in before any deductions, taxes, or expenses get subtracted. For individuals, that includes wages, salaries, bonuses, investment returns, rental income, and other revenue sources, all combined into one figure. Businesses calculate it by adding up all revenue, including sales and service fees, then subtracting the cost of goods sold (COGS).

This number is the starting point for tax calculations, loan applications, and financial planning decisions.