Compensation income can be received in which of the following forms?

Compensation income can be received in various forms beyond just cash payments, which makes the inclusion of fringe benefits a crucial component in understanding how compensation is defined. Fringe benefits can include items such as health insurance, retirement plan contributions, and various perks that an employer may provide. These benefits are considered part of an employee's total compensation package and must be valued and reported as income, often leading to tax implications for the employee.

In contrast, the other options are limited in scope. For example, stating that compensation is only cash payments ignores the broader definition that encompasses many different types of remuneration. Focusing exclusively on real estate or performance bonuses also restricts the understanding of compensation, as they do not encompass the full range of income benefits employees may receive. Thus, recognizing that fringe benefits are included in compensation income highlights the comprehensive nature of how employees are compensated by their employers.