Imputed Income — Payroll Definition

What is Imputed Income?

Some employer-provided benefits must be included in one or more taxable-wage categories even when the employee does not receive the amount as cash. Examples can include taxable personal use of an employer vehicle or the calculated cost of qualifying group-term life coverage above the applicable exclusion. Valuation and tax treatment depend on detailed rules and exceptions.

How to apply this payroll definition

Locate the label beside its current-period amount, taxable-wage basis, and year-to-date total. Compare it with prior genuine statements, benefits materials, the employer's payroll documentation, and the primary source linked on this page. The same abbreviation can carry a different employer-specific meaning.

What the label does not prove

A familiar term or plausible amount does not authenticate a pay statement or confirm identity, employment, wages, deductions, tax compliance, or eligibility. Ask the verified payroll contact about an unknown code. Use current agency instructions or a qualified adviser when a rate, filing, benefit, garnishment, or legal decision depends on the answer.

Browse all payroll definitions or use the pay-statement codes guide.