Why does TurboTax tell me a different, lower amount for my earned income as compared to my taxable income?

[madeline-sumika]

My ROTH IRA contribution is above the stated earned income, but below the stated taxable income.

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

Earned income is only from wages on W2 (1040 line 1) or a Net Profit on Schedule C for self employment income.   

For an IRA contribution.  If you only have self-employment income you can only contribute up to your net profit reduced by the deduction allowed for one-half of your self-employment taxes then only up to the max IRA limit.

See IRS publication 590 http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p590a.pdf

So check 1040 Schedule 1 line 15.  You have to deduct that amount from your Schedule C Net Profit.  That will give you the allowed contribution for self employment & 1099NEC income.