Most people talk about passive income like it's a magic solution: do something once, and money just keeps rolling in. But the reality is a lot more complex — especially when it comes to how different types of income are taxed.

What many don't realize is that there’s a huge difference between portfolio income (like dividends or capital gains) and what the IRS truly considers passive income (like rental income). Misunderstanding these terms can lead to overpaying taxes — sometimes by tens of thousands of dollars.

In this breakdown, I walk through how the IRS classifies income, what truly counts as passive, and why some “passive income” strategies are actually active businesses in disguise — and taxed accordingly. That course that teaches you to build a digital product and call it passive? It might actually be a high-tax hustle if you’re not careful.

I also share some practical insights on how to build income streams that are not only sustainable but also tax-efficient. Whether you’re looking at rental properties, investments, digital products, or royalties, understanding how income is taxed is just as important as generating it.

By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of:

• What truly counts as passive income
• How portfolio income is taxed differently
• How to avoid common mistakes in income classification
• Legal strategies to reduce your tax burden with smarter planning

This is the kind of foundational knowledge that can transform how you approach financial freedom — not just how you earn, but how much you actually get to keep.