Earned income is a term used to describe the wages, salaries, commissions and bonuses received by an individual from employment. The pronunciation of this term is /ɜːrnd ˈɪnkʌm/. The first syllable of 'earned' is pronounced with a short 'e' sound, while the second syllable has a longer 'ur' vowel sound. The second word 'income' has a short 'i' sound followed by the 'nk' cluster and the final syllable pronounced with a short 'u' sound. Knowing the correct spelling and pronunciation of your earned income is crucial for any individual or household budget plan.
Earned income refers to the money earned through personal effort and productive activities, often in the form of wages, salaries, or self-employment. It encompasses the compensation one receives for services rendered, regardless of the source of the payment. Earned income is distinguished from other types of income, such as investment income or passive income, which do not involve active participation or labor.
This term primarily applies to individuals who work for others or are self-employed. It includes the income received from employment in various sectors, such as a worker's regular wages, bonuses, commissions, tips, or any other form of compensation that stems from their employment arrangement. In addition, it encompasses income generated through freelance work, contract jobs, or gig work. For self-employed individuals, earned income is typically derived from the profits of their own business or professional practice.
Earned income is usually subject to taxation and is reported on the individual's tax return. It is an essential factor in determining a person's eligibility for certain government programs, tax credits, or deductions. As a significant component of an individual's financial standing, earned income reflects their level of employment and often serves as a measure of their economic productivity and contribution to society.
The word "earned income" has a straightforward etymology.
The term "earned" derives from the Old English word "earnian" which means "to labor, work, or acquire by labor". It is related to the Old High German word "arnōn" meaning "to reap or earn" and the Middle Dutch word "ernen" meaning "to earn".
The word "income" comes from the Latin word "incomen" which is a combination of "in-" meaning "into" and "comen" meaning "to come". It originally referred to the arrival or coming of something, and later came to signify the arrival or coming of money or other financial gain.
Therefore, "earned income" essentially refers to the money or financial gain that is acquired through one's efforts or labor.