What defines "earned income" for IRA contribution eligibility?

Earned income is defined as the income that individuals receive from working, such as salaries and wages. This income type is essential for IRA contribution eligibility because it directly reflects the active engagement in employment or self-employment.

When individuals earn wages or a salary, they are essentially providing services or labor in exchange for compensation, making this income eligible for contributing to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). The requirement ensures that individuals are actively participating in the workforce and generating income through personal efforts.

In contrast, other income types, such as income from investments, pension payments, or interest earnings, do not count as earned income because they do not result from one’s active participation in work. Therefore, they do not qualify under the IRS rules for making contributions to an IRA.