Each time you get a royalty payment do you have to go do some new work for it? Royalties can be ongoing payments for "past" work. People can inherit royalties but they do not work for it.
Interest and dividends on investments are not compensation either but you had to work for the money to invest.
The IRS does not use the term "earned income" it is "Taxable Compensation". Compensation
**Disclaimer: This post is for discussion purposes only and is NOT tax advice. The author takes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information in this post.**
