What is Unearned Income

Unearned income is income from investments and other sources which is unrelated to employment. Examples of unearned income include interest from savings accounts, bond interest, alimony, and dividends from stock. Unearned income, known as a "passive source of income," is income not acquired through work.

BREAKING DOWN Unearned Income

Unearned income differs from earned income, which is income gained from employment, work, or through business activities. According to the IRS, earned income includes wages, salaries, tips, and self-employment income. 

Taxation will differ for earned income and unearned income due to qualitative differences. Additionally, tax rates vary among sources of unearned income.  Most unearned income sources are not subject to payroll taxes, and none of it is subject to employment taxes, such as Social Security and Medicare. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals with unearned income to understand the origin and taxation of their income.  

Types of Unearned Income

Interest and dividend income are the most common types of unearned income. Interest income, such as interest earned on checking and savings deposit accounts, loans, and certificate of deposit (CD), is taxed as ordinary income.  

Dividends, which is income from investments, can be taxed at ordinary tax rates or preferred long-term capital gains tax rates.  Investments typically yield dividends payable to shareholders on a regular basis. Dividends may be paid to the investment account monthly, quarterly, annually, or semi-annually. Each share receives a percentage of the company's profit, which is known as the dividend yield.  Taxation of the total sum of the dividend yield is at the current dividend tax rate. Money earned in this capacity is unearned income, and the tax paid is considered an unearned income tax.

Other sources of unearned income include: 

  • Retirement accounts (e.g., 401(k), pension, and annuity)
  • Inheritances
  • Gifts
  • Lottery Winnings
  • Veteran's (VA) benefits
  • Welfare benefits 
  • Property income

Benefits of Unearned Income

Unearned income can serve as a supplement to earned income before retirement and, often, is the only source of income in post-retirement years.  During the accumulation phase, taxes are deferred for many sources of unearned income. Sources with deferment include 401(k) plans and annuity income.  As a result, participants avoid IRS penalties and paying at higher tax rates.  Diversification of holdings is preferable to even-out the effect of taxes on unearned income.