Which type of income typically does not result in self-employment tax?

Which type of income typically does not result in self-employment tax?

• A. Earned income from a job
• B. Short-term capital gains
• C. Portfolio income such as dividends
• D. Long-term capital gains

Answer: (C)

Portfolio income, such as dividends, typically does not result in self-employment tax because it does not arise from business activities. Self-employment tax is specifically applicable to net earnings from self-employment, which generally includes income earned by individuals running their own businesses or doing freelance work. In contrast, earned income from a job is subject to self-employment tax if the individual is self-employed. Short-term capital gains and long-term capital gains also fall under different tax regulations as they are generated through the buying and selling of assets rather than through self-employed business activity. Therefore, portfolio income, including dividends, is treated separately from self-employment activities and thus is not subject to self-employment tax, making it the correct answer in this context.

Portfolio income, such as dividends, typically does not result in self-employment tax because it does not arise from business activities. Self-employment tax is specifically applicable to net earnings from self-employment, which generally includes income earned by individuals running their own businesses or doing freelance work.

In contrast, earned income from a job is subject to self-employment tax if the individual is self-employed. Short-term capital gains and long-term capital gains also fall under different tax regulations as they are generated through the buying and selling of assets rather than through self-employed business activity. Therefore, portfolio income, including dividends, is treated separately from self-employment activities and thus is not subject to self-employment tax, making it the correct answer in this context.