Gross monthly income includes all income from any source before deductions — wages, salaries, business income, rental income, investment income, pension, Social Security, and unemployment benefits. Washington law requires full disclosure of all income sources under RCW 26.19.071.
RCW 26.19.071(3): Monthly gross income shall include income from any source including salaries, wages, commissions, deferred compensation, overtime, contract-related benefits, income from second jobs, dividends, interest, trust income, severance pay, annuities, capital gains, pension retirement benefits, workers compensation, unemployment benefits, maintenance received, bonuses, Social Security benefits, disability insurance benefits, and income from self-employment.
RCW 26.19.071(4) excludes:
Income of a new spouse or domestic partner.
Income of other adults in the household.
Child support received from other relationships.
Gifts and prizes.
TANF, SSI, and food stamp benefits.
Overtime beyond 40 hours per week averaged over 12 months when used to retire debts.
Gross income is the starting point for calculating net income. Higher gross income generally means higher net income and a larger proportional share of the basic obligation. Courts verify gross income using tax returns from the past two years and current pay stubs.
Generally yes. Overtime beyond 40 hours per week averaged over 12 months may be excluded only when the court finds it was worked specifically to retire past debts and will cease when debts are paid.
Self-employment gross income minus normal business expenses equals the business income included in gross monthly income. Justification is required for any disputed business expense deductions.
Yes. Regular bonuses are included in gross monthly income. A one-time nonrecurring bonus may be subject to a deviation request under the nonrecurring income provision.
Use our 2026 Washington State estimator to see how these legal terms impact your support amount. All calculators are RCW 26.19 compliant.