Working one day a week at an antique store. Owner cannot afford to pay wages,
so will trade my time for store merchandise. Must I report the value of the
merchandise to the IRS on my income tax return?
Thanks.
Mark

The merchandize you are getting is considered compensation, which IS taxable.

Yes, so be sure in the trade, to consider the money you will pay for the tax on the ideas. I will assume they don't report you as a employee, don't hold taxes out, don't cover you with workers comp or other insurance?

It would have to be considered the equivalent of contract payments under Form 1099-MISC.