How is gross income determined for micro entity status?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. For micro entity status, gross income is determined as follows: Based on the calendar year preceding the year a fee is paid Uses the definition of gross income in section 61(a) of the Internal Revenue Code Compared to three times the median household income as reported by the Bureau of the Census For non-US income, converted using the average currency exchange rate for the relevant calendar year The USPTO website provides the current maximum qualifying gross income limit. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Late Payment of Basic Filing Fee Requires Surcharge MPEP 509 Permitted Payment of Fees by Credit Card Permitted MPEP 509 Payment of Fees by Credit Card Is Required MPEP 509 Fees Must Be Paid In Advance For Patent Actions MPEP 509 Required Fees Must Be Paid in US Dollars MPEP 509 Required Credit Card Payments Allowed for USPTO Fees Except Deposit Replenishment MPEP 509 Required Credit Card Number on Non-Official Forms Not Secure MPEP 509 Refund of Fees if Reexamination Not Instituted MPEP 509 Recommended Order of Applying Payment for Filing Fees MPEP 509 Provisional Application Fee Payment Order MPEP 509 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Are there any fee reductions or waivers available for USPTO patent fees? What are the accepted methods of payment for USPTO fees? What are the consequences of bounced checks or insufficient funds for USPTO fee payments? How should fees be itemized when submitting payment to the USPTO? How can I pay fees to the USPTO electronically?