Gross income
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Definition
Gross income is income before taxes and most deductions. Mortgage underwriting commonly uses a gross monthly figure when it calculates debt-to-income ratios.
In plain English
Pay stubs show both gross pay and take-home pay. Qualification math usually starts from the larger, pre-deduction amount. How a lender documents overtime, self-employment, or other income is an underwriting practice. This page names the gross-income idea, not a documentation checklist.
Technical definition
The CFPB consumer glossary supports income before taxes as the everyday heading. USDA annual-income tests are program context, not this consumer definition.
Why it matters
DTI and prequalification discussions are unreadable if “income” silently means take-home pay.
Related terms
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Mortgage key terms
Source reviewedSeptember 4, 2026
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