What's unearned income?
by TurboTax • 
Updated January 8, 2026 12:15 PM
Unearned income can be thought of as "passive" income that doesn't involve active work or a business activity, such as:
Interest, dividend, or investment income
Retirement or Social Security income
Alimony or child support
Unemployment or workers' comp
Gifts, prizes, awards, or winnings
Inheritances
Income received while incarcerated, even if it involves active work
Rental income (for a rental property in which you don't provide substantial services primarily for your tenant's convenience)
