What is taxable income defined as?

Taxable income is defined as revenues from all sources, less any tax-deductible expenses. This concept is crucial in tax accounting and finance because it represents the amount of income subject to taxation after accounting for allowable deductions that reduce the income base.

To elaborate, taxable income starts with total revenues from various sources, but it's essential to subtract expenses that the tax code allows as deductions. These deductions might include business expenses, depreciation, and other allowable costs that help determine the income that will ultimately be taxed.

This approach reflects an equitable method for calculating the tax obligation since it takes into account the costs incurred in generating income, providing a more accurate picture of a taxpayer's actual profit. It contrasts with other definitions like gross income or net income after tax expenses, which do not provide a direct calculation for determining the amount that will be taxable. Therefore, taxable income serves as a critical figure for both taxpayers and tax authorities in understanding the tax liability.