Question

Jim recently joined the Austin Barter Club, an organization that facilitates the exchange of services between its members. This year Jim provided lawn-mowing services to other club members. Jim received the following from the barter club. Determine the amount, if any, Jim should include in his gross income in each of the following situations: (Leave no answers blank. Enter zero if applicable.)
a. Jim received $275 of car repair services from another member of the club.
b. Jim received a S150 credit that gave him the option of receiving a season pass at a local ski resort from another member of the club. However, he forgot to request the pass by the end of the ski season and his credit expired.
c. Jim received a S450 credit that can only be applied for goods or services from club members next year.

Answer 1

Solution :

a). In the context, Jim received $ 275 for the car repairing services form some member from the club. In this exchange of the services, an income is been received in amount of a value of the services received ( the gross income includes receipt of the services and also the money and goods). Therefore, Jim is being taxed on an amount of $275 for the car repair services.

b). The issue in this case is whether a "credit" represents the valuable right. As the right can be redeemed for the that is property worth of $150, then under the constructive receipt,  Jim must recognize an income of $150.

c). Jim received an credit of $450 to be applied for the next year. If the credit can be redeemed or used for any future services, the taxpayer then can argue that the realization has not yet occurred. But, it has be included in Jim's gross income for the next year when his credit amount becomes the valuable right.