It's right by the meaning of "is."
It's pretty obvious, unless your aim is to obfuscate.
Let's play, because I don't think so.
If I trade you my unopened 20 oz Coke for your unopened 20 oz Pepsi, even up, is that income?
If I trade my corn sheller to you for a couple of goats, and we decide that's a fair trade, value for value, is that income?
If I trade my skill at fixing your garbage disposal for a home cooked meal, a seat at your dinner table for one meal, is that income?
If I trade my skill at repairing your computer for some pieces of paper which I can later trade for something else I want, and we agree the pieces of paper represent an equal value to my services, is that income?
If I trade those pieces of paper which represent the value of my labor to you to someone else for mowing my lawn, is that income?
All of those are equal exchanges, value for value, decided by the participants to be even up exchanges. How is that income? How have any of us
gained by exchanging something we had for something we wanted more? If I give you a ten dollar bill and you give me two fives, is that income?
The only question the IRS would answer "no" to is trading a ten dollar bill for two fives.
Describe those methods.
Because there ARE no legal ways of receiving money without taxation.
This is the Left's fantasy - that all those "rich people" live without paying taxes. THEY DO NOT. Every IMAGINABLE source of income is taxed. In-kind assistance, such as company lodging, company cars, per diem on the road...ALL TAXED.
What kind of income do you have in mind? Explain what it is, and if you list something that truly isn't taxed that I haven't thought of...the solution is simple. TAX it, the same way Company Cars are now taxed for traveling industrial sales reps.
You need to fill out a Form 2016. Per diem is deductible, the rate depends on where you are. Mileage is deductible, as is the cost of a rental or lease vehicle. Company provided housing, if done for the convenience of the employer is not taxable. The only mileage taxable on a company car is for personal use, and if you are being told different, you need a new accountant.