Four single taxpayers each report 2024 modified adjusted gross income above 200,000 dollars but have different income mixes. Damien Fortescue has only wage income; Priya Venkataraman has only self-employment income from an active business she materially participates in; Rosalind Achterberg has substantial taxable interest and dividend income; and Theodore Mwangi has only a fully taxable distribution from his traditional 401(k). Which taxpayer is most clearly subject to the Net Investment Income Tax for 2024?
- ADamien Fortescue, because his wages push his modified adjusted gross income above the 200,000 dollar single threshold.
- BPriya Venkataraman, because her self-employment earnings are investment-type returns on the capital in her business.
- CRosalind Achterberg, because she has net investment income and modified adjusted gross income above the single threshold. Correct
- DTheodore Mwangi, because his retirement plan distribution is income earned from invested funds.
Why A is wrong: Crossing the modified adjusted gross income threshold is necessary but not sufficient; the tax also requires net investment income, and wages are specifically excluded from that category, so Damien has no base to tax.
Why B is wrong: Income from an active trade or business in which the taxpayer materially participates is not net investment income; self-employment earnings are subject to self-employment tax, not the Net Investment Income Tax.
Why C is correct: Interest and dividends are net investment income, and she also exceeds the 200,000 dollar single modified adjusted gross income threshold, so both conditions for the 3.8 percent tax are met.
Why D is wrong: Distributions from qualified retirement plans such as a 401(k) are expressly excluded from net investment income, so the distribution does not create a Net Investment Income Tax base even though it raises adjusted gross income.