Understanding these fiscal metrics is crucial for financial literacy and opens the door to making wise decisions, strategically preparing, and reaching one's financial goals.
But before discussing how net and gross income are often computed or determined, it is appropriate to define the components from which they are derived.
One of the three crucial financial statements used to describe a company's financial performance throughout a certain accounting period is the income statement, also known as the profit and loss statement or “P&L”
The method for calculating an individual's gross income differs slightly from a firm's method. Although the computations are identical, the categories used to classify income and expenses vary depending on the type of company.
A company's income statement may occasionally include a line item for gross income. If it is not displayed, it is calculated as gross revenue less Cost of Goods and Services (COGS).
The gross income serves as the starting point for the financial planning process. It establishes how much money is available to meet other financial objectives, such as savings, investments, and costs.