Passive Income

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Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Passive Income'

Earnings an individual derives from a rental property, limited partnership or other enterprise in which he or she is not actively involved. As with non-passive income, passive income is usually taxable; however it is often treated differently by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Passive Income'

There are three main categories of income: active income, passive income and portfolio income. Passive income does not include earnings from wages or active business participation, nor does it include income from dividends, interest or capital gains. For tax purposes, it is important to note that losses in passive income generally cannot offset active or portfolio income.

It is important to note that, by some, portfolio income is considered passive income; in which case dividends and interest would be considered passive. The important definition is the one the IRS uses, and to be sure your taxes are filed correctly, it would be prudent to check with the IRS or a tax professional on this matter if you have a blend of active, passive, and portfolio income. 

Related Definitions

  • Passive Loss

    A loss incurred through a rental property, limited partnership, or other enterprise in which the individual is not actively involved.
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  • Portfolio Income

    Income from investments, dividends, interest, royalties and capital gains. Portfolio income does not come from passive investments and is not earned through normal business activity. ...
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  • Active Income

    Income for which services have been performed. This includes wages, tips, salaries, commissions and income from businesses in which there is material participation.
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    • Portfolio Income

      Income from investments, dividends, interest, royalties and capital gains. Portfolio income does not come from passive investments and is not earned through normal business activity. ...
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    • Dividend

      1. A distribution of a portion of a company's earnings, decided by the board of directors, to a class of its shareholders. The dividend is most often quoted in terms of the dollar amount ...
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    • Suspended Loss

      A capital loss that cannot be realized in a given tax year due to passive activity limitations. These losses are therefore "suspended" until they can be netted against passive income in ...
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    • Capital Gain

      1. An increase in the value of a capital asset (investment or real estate) that gives it a higher worth than the purchase price. The gain is not realized until the asset is sold. A ...
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    • Limited Partnership - LP

      Two or more partners united to conduct a business jointly, and in which one or more of the partners is liable only to the extent of the amount of money that partner has invested. Limited ...
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    • Passive Activity

      An activity from which you have the potential to profit but in which you do not physically participate.
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    • Investment Real Estate

      Real estate that generates income or is otherwise intended for investment purposes rather than as a primary residence. It is common for investors to own multiple pieces of real estate, ...
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