Is voucher taxable?

[praxisknight]

Hi,  I am a member of a website that sells trading software.  They opened a forum and am offering a voucher if you join and post on the forum that can only be used to purchase products on their website. So.  I need to know if this voucher is taxable income. Thank you.

[Mike9241]

it's not the voucher, it's what's contributed that would represent taxable revenue. 

[praxisknight]

• I'm sorry I should have defined this better (I edited my initial question) . A contribution is posting on the forum.  So, I need to know if the voucher that I receive from this company is taxable income.

[HollyP]

Based on this additional info, it depends. If the voucher is an award, then it's likely taxable. You can use the IRS interactive guide, Is the prize or award I received taxable? for more help. 

However, you could also argue that since this voucher can only be used to buy products on the company's website, then it's a rebate or a discount and thus not taxable. 

[Opus 17]

If you are a paid member of the web site, this would count as a discount or rebate and not be taxable.

If you are not a paid member, and this voucher is a reward or payment for providing a service (creating content on their forum), then it is probably income earned from working and should be reported as taxable income.  (that is, the value of the voucher in USD based on what you could buy with it).

Barter is taxable income if received in return for goods or services.