((a)) ** General definition** Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, gross income means all income from whatever source derived, including (but not limited to) the following items:

((1)) Compensation for services, including fees, commissions, fringe benefits, and similar items;

((2)) Gross income derived from business;

((3)) Gains derived from dealings in property;

((4)) Interest;

((5)) Rents;

((6)) Royalties;

((7)) Dividends;

((8)) Annuities;

((9)) Income from life insurance and endowment contracts;

((10)) Pensions;

((11)) Income from discharge of indebtedness;

((12)) Distributive share of partnership gross income;

((13)) Income in respect of a decedent; and

((14)) Income from an interest in an estate or trust.

((b)) ** Cross references** For items specifically included in gross income, see part II (sec. 71 and following). For items specifically excluded from gross income, see part III (sec. 101 and following).