what is the taxpayer's gross income
For Individuals. Gross income is an individual's income and receipts from nearly all sources. It is the starting point for determining the taxes that individual will pay. Sources of gross income include salary, wages, tips, capital gains, dividends, interest, rents, pensions and alimony.
One of the first deductions from gross income is the appropriate personal exemption for an individual and his spouse and dependents. In addition to the personal exemption, taxpayers can take further deductions, either in the form of a standard deduction or by itemizing deductions.