What does gross income refer to?

Gross income refers to the total income earned by an individual or entity before any deductions, such as payroll taxes, are taken out. This includes wages, dividends, rents, interest, and any other income sources that contribute to an individual's total earnings. Understanding that gross income is calculated before these deductions helps to clarify financial situations, as it provides a complete picture of someone's earnings.

When looking at the other options, after-tax amounts do not represent gross income, as they are calculated subsequently to deductions. The amount available for purchase (often referred to as disposable income) is derived from net income, which is gross income minus taxes and other necessary deductions. Total savings is a different financial metric altogether and does not pertain directly to a person's income level but rather to their financial habits and decisions regarding income management.