Primary Sources of Income: A Comprehensive Overview

"Main source of income" varies by individual, household, and entity. Major categories:

For Individuals & Households

• Labor income: Wages/salary (full-time, part-time, gig), commissions, tips, bonuses
• Self-employment: Business profits, freelance fees, professional practice
• Investment income: Dividends, interest, capital gains, rental income, royalties
• Retirement income: Social Security, pensions (DB/DC), annuities, 401(k)/IRA withdrawals
• Government transfers: Unemployment, disability, SNAP, TANF, veterans' benefits
• Other: Alimony, child support, inheritance, gifts, crowdfunding

For Businesses

• Operating revenue: Sales of goods/services (core)
• Non-operating: Investment income, asset sales, foreign exchange gains
• Recurring vs. one-time

For Governments

• Tax revenue: Income, corporate, sales/VAT, property, excise, customs
• Non-tax: Fees, fines, resource royalties, SOE dividends, seigniorage
• Borrowing: Bonds, loans (not "income" but financing)

Key Distinctions

• Active vs. passive: Labor/business vs. investments
• Recurring vs. sporadic
• Tax treatment differs (ordinary income vs. capital gains vs. tax-exempt)
• Diversification reduces risk

Measurement

Household surveys (CPS, ACS, EU-SILC), tax data, national accounts. "Primary" = largest single category or >50% of total.