Taxable profit | Taxable earnings

Taxable profit is the profit upon which income taxes are payable. The composition of taxable profit varies by taxation authority, so it will vary depending upon the rules of the taxation authorities within which an entity is located or does business. For instance, a government may declare that certain qualifying organizations have nonprofit status, so that any of their qualifying earnings are not subject to income tax. Taxable profit is primarily based on operating earnings, but other types of taxable earnings can come from dividend income, interest income, and capital gains on the sale of long-term assets.

Different tax rates may apply to the various types of taxable earnings. There may also be graduated tax rates that apply to different amounts of taxable profit.

Related AccountingTools Courses

Small Business Tax Guide

Example of Taxable Profit

Monckton Manufacturing, a small business, calculates its taxable profit for the year based on revenue, deductible expenses, and allowable tax adjustments. The process it used to derive its taxable profit is as follows:

Step 1: Calculate Gross Revenue

  • Total sales revenue: $500,000

  • Other business income (e.g., rental income): $20,000

  • Total Gross Revenue = $520,000

Step 2: Deduct Allowable Business Expenses

  • Cost of goods sold: $200,000

  • Employee salaries: $100,000

  • Rent and utilities: $30,000

  • Office expenses and supplies: $10,000

  • Marketing and advertising: $15,000

  • Depreciation on equipment: $10,000

  • Loan interest: $5,000

  • Total Deductible Expenses = $370,000

Step 3: Determine Taxable Profit

  • Taxable Profit = Gross Revenue – Deductible Expenses

  • $520,000 – $370,000 = $150,000

Step 4: Apply Any Tax Adjustments

  • The company qualifies for a tax credit of $5,000 for energy-efficient equipment

  • Final Taxable Profit = $150,000 – $5,000 = $145,000

The company’s taxable profit is $145,000, which will be subject to corporate income tax based on the applicable tax rate.