VAN KAMPEN MERRITT MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST
N-30D, 1995-08-29
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Table of Contents
<S>                                      <C> 
Letter to Shareholders ................   1
Performance Results ...................   3
Portfolio of Investments  .............   4
Statement of Assets and Liabilities ...  11
Statement of Operations  ..............  12
Statement of Changes in Net Assets ....  13
Financial Highlights  .................  14
Notes to Financial Statements .........  16
Independent Auditors' Report  .........  21
</TABLE>




                             Letter to Shareholders


August 3, 1995

Dear Shareholder:
  The fiscal year ended June 30, 1995 has been a very positive one for most
investors. After a poor first half, both the fixed-income and stock markets have
made considerable gains.
  The first six months of 1995 serve as a reminder of just how quickly markets
can move, and how difficult it can be to predict the timing of those movements.
Moreover, this year reinforces the importance of maintaining a long-term 
perspective, and reaffirms the principle that it is time---not timing---that 
leads to investment success.


[PHOTO]
Dennis J. McDonnell and Don G. Powell




Economic Overview

  Due in large part to the Federal Reserve Board's efforts to tighten monetary
supply in 1994, the economy has slowed significantly this year. Evidence of this
guided slowdown was reflected in gross domestic product for the second quarter,
which grew at an annual rate of 0.5 percent, substantially lower than its first
quarter rate of 2.7 percent and fourth quarter 1994 rate of 5.1 percent. While
other key economic data, including unemployment rates and housing starts, have
shown mixed signs during recent weeks, the general trend for the first half of
the year suggested a "soft landing" scenario. Subsequently, concern over
inflation has subsided, as its annualized rate has run at a modest pace of 3.2 
percent year-to-date. 
  Financial markets, perceiving the Fed's monetary initiatives had taken hold
without driving the economy into a recession, rallied through the first six
months of the year. With slowing growth, interest rates declined and the value
of fixed-income investments rose. For example, the yield on 30-year Treasury
securities fell from 7.88 percent at the end of December to 
6.62 percent at the end of June, while prices on the "long bond" rose 18 
percent. Likewise, the yield on the Bond Buyer's Municipal Bond Index fell from
7.28 percent to 6.37 percent during the same period.  Although municipal bond
yields have declined, they are still offering compelling yields, particularly to
investors in high tax brackets. Average yields on municipal bonds reached 90 
percent of their taxable counterparts during the fiscal year ended June 30, 
1995.

Performance Summary

  For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1995, the Trust generated a total return at
market price of 8.59 percent<F1>. This return reflects a market price per common
share on the New York Stock Exchange of $11.125 at both the beginning and end of
the period, and reinvestment of dividends totaling $0.84 per share. 


                                1  (Continued on page two)




  Additionally, the Trust produced a tax-exempt distribution rate of 7.55 
percent<F3>, based on the closing stock price of $11.125 per share on June 30,
1995. Since income from the Trust is exempt from federal income tax, it is 
important to compare the Trust's distribution rate to 
an equivalent taxable rate. For example, for investors in the 36 percent federal
income tax bracket, the Trust's distribution rate represents a yield equivalent
to a taxable investment earning 11.80 percent <F4>.

Outlook

  Comfortable with the economy's rate of growth and level of inflation, the Fed
reversed course and lowered short-term interest rates on July 6. We believe that
the Fed will move cautiously before easing again, waiting for further signs that
the economy has settled into a slow growth pattern. We anticipate that the
economy will grow at an annual rate between 2 
and 3 percent in the second half of the year, and that inflation will run at an
annualized rate between 3.3 and 3.5 percent. Based upon this generally slow 
growth and low inflation outlook, we believe that fixed-income
markets---including municipal bonds---will continue to make attractive gains as
interest rates fall. We believe that the municipal bond market has probably 
overreacted to developments in Orange County, California and that the discounts
currently impacting prices will likely diminish over the short term. 

  During recent months, debate over tax reform has dominated the agenda in 
Washington. There has been varied speculation about the impact of reform, which
may have caused you to wonder how it might affect your investment goals. At this
point, no one knows for sure what will happen or when it might actually take
place. As various proposals come to the forefront, there may be short-term
market fluctuations, just as we saw during the debate over the U.S. health care
system. We will continue to keep a close watch over any new developments and 
evaluate the potential impact that they may have on your investments. 

  Once again, it is important to remember that financial markets will inevitably
experience highs and lows, but by maintaining a long-term investment
perspective, it may allow you to ride the ups and downs of the markets more
easily as you pursue your investment goals.

  We appreciate your continued confidence in your investment with Van Kampen 
American Capital, and we look forward to communicating with you again regarding
the performance of your Trust.


Sincerely,

Don G. Powell                Dennis J. McDonnell
Chairman                     President
Van Kampen American Capital  Van Kampen American Capital
Investment Advisory Corp.    Investment Advisory Corp.


                                    2


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                Performance Results for the Period Ended June 30, 1995
                      Van Kampen Merritt Municipal Income Trust
                              (NYSE Ticker Symbol-VMT)
<S>                                                                                  <C> 
Total Returns        
One-year total return based on market price<F1> ...................................       8.59%
One-year total return based on NAV<F2>  ...........................................       7.24%

Distribution Rates
Distribution rate as a % of initial offer stock price<F3> .........................       8.40%
Taxable-equivalent distribution rate as a % of initial offer stock price<F4> ......      13.13%
Distribution rate as a % of 06/30/95 closing stock price<F3>  .....................       7.55%
Taxable-equivalent distribution rate as a % of 06/30/95 closing stock price<F4> ...      11.80%

Share Valuations
Net asset value as of 06/30/95 ....................................................  $    9.76 
Closing stock price as of 06/30/95  ...............................................  $  11.125 
One-year high common stock price (04/12/95) .......................................  $  11.375 
One-year low common stock price (11/11/94)  .......................................  $   9.000 
Preferred share (Series A) rate as of 06/30/95<F5> ................................      4.084%
Preferred share (Series B) rate as of 06/30/95<F5> ................................      3.915%
Preferred share (Series C) rate as of 06/30/95<F5> ................................      3.886%


<FN>
<F1>Total return based on market price assumes an investment at the market price at
the beginning of the period indicated, reinvestment of all distributions for the
period in accordance with the Trust's dividend reinvestment plan, and sale of
all shares at the closing stock price at the end of the period indicated.

<F2>Total return based on Net Asset Value (NAV) assumes an investment at the
beginning of the period indicated, reinvestment of all distributions for the
period, and sale of all shares at the end of the period, all at net asset value.

<F3>Distribution rate represents the monthly annualized distributions of the Trust
at the end of the period and not the earnings of the Trust.

<F4>The taxable-equivalent distribution rate is calculated assuming a 36% federal
tax bracket.

<F5>See "Notes to Financial Statements" footnote #6, for more information 
concerning Preferred Share reset periods.
</TABLE>


A portion of the interest income may be taxable for those investors subject to
the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT).

Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment return, stock
price and net asset value will fluctuate with market conditions. Trust shares,
when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.


                                     3


                                  Portfolio of Investments
                                        June 30, 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Par
Amount
(000)      Description                                        Coupon   Maturity   Market Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>      <C>                                                  <C>      <C>       <C>
Municipal Bonds
Alaska  1.9%          
$   345  Alaska St Hsg Fin Corp Rfdg  ......................   7.800%  12/01/30  $   362,764
  1,895  Kasaan, AK Lease Rev  .............................   8.000   08/15/10    2,095,870
  1,955  Kasaan, AK Lease Rev  .............................   8.000   08/15/16    2,128,995
  3,500  North Slope Borough, AK Ser B (Cap Guar Insd)   ...   6.100   06/30/99    3,691,135
                                                                                  ----------
                                                                                   8,278,764
                                                                                  ----------
Arkansas  0.2%
1,000  Conway, AR Hosp Rev Conway Regl Hosp Rfdg  ..........   8.375   07/01/11    1,078,390
                                                                                  ----------
California  6.6%
11,150  California Hsg Fin Agy Rev Homeowner Mtg Ser D   ....    *     08/01/20    1,576,722
 5,000  Contra Costa, CA Home Mtg Fin Auth Home 
        Mtg Rev (MBIA Insd)   ...............................    *     09/01/17    1,160,000
 5,000  Los Angeles Cnty, CA Pub Wks Fin Auth Lease Rev 
        Multi Cap Fac Proj IV (MBIA Insd)   .................  4.750   12/01/13    4,328,750
 2,690  Los Angeles Cnty, CA Pub Wks Fin Auth Lease Rev 
        Multi Cap Fac Proj IV (MBIA Insd)   .................  5.250   12/01/16    2,460,489
 7,000  Metro Wtrwks Dist Southern CA   .....................  5.808   08/05/22    6,816,040
 5,000  Mount Diablo, CA Hosp Dist Rev Ser A 
        (Embedded Cap) (AMBAC Insd)   .......................  5.125   12/01/23    4,465,850
 2,000  Northern California Pwr Agy Pub Pwr Rfdg 
        (AMBAC Insd) <F2>  ..................................  5.850   07/01/10    2,019,900
 6,075  Orange Cnty, CA Recovery Ser A Rfdg (MBIA Insd)   ...  6.000   06/01/09    6,057,625
                                                                                  ----------
                                                                                  28,885,376
                                                                                  ----------
Colorado  9.5%
 2,000  Denver, CO City & Cnty Arpt Rev Ser A   ............  8.500   11/15/07     2,232,240
12,400  Denver, CO City & Cnty Arpt Rev Ser A   ............  8.250   11/15/12    13,551,464
 5,600  Denver, CO City & Cnty Arpt Rev Ser A   ............  8.500   11/15/23     6,223,112
 6,000  Denver, CO City & Cnty Arpt Rev Ser A   ............  8.750   11/15/23     6,828,540
 6,000  Denver, CO City & Cnty Sch Dist No 1 Ser A Rfdg  ...  5.125   12/01/12     5,485,560
 2,000  Douglas Cnty, CO Sch Dist No 1 Rev Douglas & 
        Elbert Cntys Impt Ser A (MBIA Insd)   ..............  6.400   12/15/11     2,109,080
 3,000  Meridian Metro Dist CO Peninsular & Oriental 
        Steam Navig Co Rfdg   ..............................  7.500   12/01/11     3,192,900
 1,850  Montrose Cnty, CO Ctfs Partn   .....................  6.350   06/15/06     1,810,724
                                                                                  ----------
                                                                                  41,433,620
                                                                                  ----------
District of Columbia  1.9%
1,000  District of Columbia Ctfs Partn   ...................  6.875   01/01/03     1,007,260
2,775  District of Columbia Hosp Rev Medlantic Hlthcare 
       Ser A Rfdg (MBIA Insd)  .............................  5.250   08/15/12     2,548,393

</TABLE>

                              4  See Notes to Financial Statements


<TABLE>
                             Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
                                         June 30, 1995
<CAPTION>
Par
Amount
(000)    Description                                                Coupon   Maturity  Market Value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>     <C>                                                         <C>     <C>        <C>   
       District of Columbia (Continued)
$4,500 District of Columbia Ser A (Prerefunded @ 06/01/97) 
          (AMBAC Insd) <F3>  ....................................   8.000%  06/01/07   $  4,889,970
                                                                                        -----------
                                                                                          8,445,623
                                                                                        -----------
       Florida  6.4%
 3,150 Broward Cnty, FL Tourist Dev Tax Spl Rev 
       Convention Cent Proj (Prerefunded @ 10/01/98)
       (FGIC Insd)   .............................................  7.750  10/01/13       3,546,553
 5,000 Dunes, FL Cmnty Dev Dist Rev Wtr & Swr Proj 
       (Prerefunded @ 10/01/98)   ................................  8.250  10/01/18       5,694,850
 4,660 Florida St Brd Edl Cap Outlay Pub Ed Ser A Rfdg 
       (Prerefunded @ 06/01/00)   ................................      *  06/01/15       1,273,718
  295  Largo, FL Sun Coast Hlth Sys Rev Ser 1993   ...............  5.750  03/01/99         288,315
  285  Largo, FL Sun Coast Hlth Sys Rev Ser 1993   ...............  5.750  03/01/01         275,883
 3,630 Orange Cnty, FL Hsg Fin Auth Mtg Rev Ser A   ..............  8.375  03/01/21       3,924,103
 4,095 Palm Beach Cnty, FL Hlth Fac Auth Rev JFK Med Cent
       Inc Proj Ser 1988 Rfdg   ..................................  8.875  12/01/18       4,536,769
 5,685 Palm Beach Cnty, FL Hlth Fac Auth Rev JFK Med Cent
       Inc Proj Ser 1988 Rfdg (Prerefunded @ 12/01/98)  ..........  8.875  12/01/18       6,580,103
 1,675 Pinellas Cnty, FL Hlth Fac Auth Sun Coast Hlth Sys 
       Rev Sun Coast Hosp Ser A (Prerefunded @ 03/01/00)  ........  8.500  03/01/20       1,974,389
                                                                                        -----------
                                                                                         28,094,683
                                                                                        -----------
       Georgia  3.0%
 7,000 Fulton Cnty, GA Lease Rev <F4>  ...........................  7.250  06/15/10       7,510,090
 2,300 Georgia Muni Elec Auth Pwr Rev Ser O   ....................  8.125  01/01/17       2,522,042
 2,635 Municipal Elec Auth GA Spl Oblig First Crossover 
       (MBIA Insd)   .............................................  6.500  01/01/20       2,838,475
                                                                                        -----------
                                                                                         12,870,607
                                                                                        -----------
       Idaho  1.1%
 4,390 Boise, ID Urban Renewal Agy Park Ser A  ...................  8.125  09/01/15       4,843,575
                                                                                        -----------
       Illinois  13.6%
 3,035 Alsip, IL Indl Dev Rev New Process Steel Corp Proj  .......  8.300  10/01/04       3,225,021
 2,500 Alton, IL Hosp Fac Rev Saint Anthony's Hlth Cent Proj  ....  8.375  09/01/14       2,659,575
14,810 Chicago, IL O'Hare Intl Arpt Spl Fac Rev United Airls 
       Inc Proj Ser 84A   ........................................  8.850  05/01/18      16,571,502
 2,800 Chicago, IL O'Hare Intl Arpt Spl Fac Rev United Airls 
       Inc Proj Ser 84B   ........................................  8.850  05/01/18       3,154,704
 4,895 Chicago, IL Pub Bldg Comm Bldg Rev Ser A 
       (MBIA Insd)   .............................................      *  01/01/07       2,502,079
 1,680 Illinois Hlth Fac Auth Rev Glenoaks Med Cent Ser D   ......  9.500  11/15/15       1,957,486
 1,275 Illinois Hlth Fac Auth Rev Glenoaks Med Cent Ser D 
       (Prerefunded @ 11/15/00)   ................................  9.500  11/15/15       1,588,676
   670 Illinois Hlth Fac Auth Rev Glenoaks Med Cent Ser E   ......  9.500  11/15/19         780,664

</TABLE>
                                      5     See Notes to Financial Statements



<TABLE>
                             Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
                                        June 30, 1995
<CAPTION>
Par
Amount
(000)     Description                                              Coupon   Maturity  Market Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>       <C>                                                      <C>      <C>       <C>       
          Illinois (Continued)
$  1,310  Illinois Hlth Fac Auth Rev Glenoaks Med Cent 
          Ser E (Prerefunded @ 11/15/00)  .......................   9.500%  11/15/19  $  1,632,286
   2,000  Illinois Hlth Fac Auth Rev Ingalls Hlth Sys Proj 
          (MBIA Insd)   .........................................   6.250   05/15/24     2,012,360
   1,000  Illinois Hlth Fac Auth Rev Lutheran Social Svcs 
          Proj Ser A (Prerefunded @ 08/01/00)   .................   7.650   08/01/20     1,140,970
   5,455  Illinois Hlth Fac Auth Rev OSF Hlthcare Sys Rfdg  .....   6.000   11/15/23     5,163,812
   2,000  Illinois Hlth Fac Auth Rev Servantcor Ser A Var Rate 
          Cpn (Prerefunded @ 08/15/01)  .........................   8.000   08/15/21     2,368,240
   2,000  Illinois Hlth Fac Auth Rev Servantcor Ser B 
          (Prerefunded @ 08/15/99)   ............................   7.875   08/15/19     2,271,680
   5,000  Illinois Hlth Fac Auth Rev Univ of Chicago Hosps Proj 
          (MBIA Insd)   .........................................   6.125   08/15/24     4,962,600
  45,775  Illinois Hsg Dev Auth Multi-Family Hsg Ser A   ........       *   07/01/27     3,950,840
   1,745  Illinois Hsg Dev Auth Multi-Family Hsg Ser C   ........   7.400   07/01/23     1,841,795
   1,250  Sangamon Cnty, IL Ctfs Partn   ........................  10.000   12/01/06     1,700,350
                                                                                        ----------
                                                                                        59,484,640
                                                                                        ----------

          Indiana 1.3%
   1,370  Indiana Hlth Fac Fin Auth Hosp Rev Bartholomew 
          Cnty Hosp Proj (Prerefunded @ 08/15/00) 
          (Cap Guar Insd)   .....................................   7.750   08/15/20     1,584,926
   1,650  Indiana St Edl Fac Auth Rev Univ Evansville Proj  .....   8.125   11/01/10     1,791,718
   2,000  Indiana St Toll Fin Auth Toll Road Rev (FGIC Insd)  ...   6.875   07/01/12     2,097,620
                                                                                        ----------
                                                                                         5,474,264
                                                                                        ----------
          Louisiana  2.1%
   2,239  Lafayette, LA Pub Fin Auth Single Family Mtg Rev 
          Ser A Var Rate Cpn  ...................................  8.500    11/15/12     2,300,138
   5,093  Louisiana Pub Fac Auth Rev Multi-Family Hsg Proj 
          Var Rate Cpn  .........................................  8.375    07/20/23     5,573,062
   1,250  New Orleans, LA Hsg Dev Multi-Family Rev Ser A  .......  7.700    02/01/22     1,339,375
                                                                                        ----------
                                                                                         9,212,575
                                                                                         ----------
          Maine 0.3%
   1,335  Maine St Hsg Auth Ser C   .............................  8.300    11/15/20     1,440,772
                                                                                        ----------
          Maryland  0.5%
   4,650  Baltimore, MD Cap Apprec Cons Pub Impt Ser 
          (FGIC Insd)  ..........................................    *      10/15/09     1,983,830
                                                                                        ----------
          Massachusetts  0.7%
   2,695  Massachusetts St Hlth & Ed Fac Auth Rev Farmingham 
          Union Hosp Ser B (Prerefunded @ 07/01/00)   ...........  8.500    07/01/10     3,169,724
                                                                                        ----------
</TABLE>
                                    6    See Notes to Financial Statements


<TABLE>
                          Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
                                     June 30, 1995
<CAPTION>
Par
Amount
(000)     Description                                       Coupon  Maturity  Market Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>      <C>                                                 <C>      <C>        <C>
         Michigan  2.3%
$ 4,610  Michigan St Hosp Fin Auth Hosp Rev Battle Creek 
         Ser G Rfdg   .....................................   9.500%   11/15/15  $5,271,120
  2,000  Michigan St Hosp Fin Auth Hosp Rev Bay Med 
         Cent Ser A Rfdg   ................................   8.250    07/01/12  2,131,460
  2,300  Muskegon, MI Hosp Fin Auth Hosp Rev Hackley 
         Hosp Ser A  ......................................   8.000    02/01/08  2,514,590
                                                                                 ---------
                                                                                 9,917,170
                                                                                 ---------
         Minnesota  1.6%
5,000  Duluth, MN Econ Dev Hlthcare Fac Rev 
       (Prerefunded @ 02/15/00)   ..........................  8.375    02/15/20  5,870,350
6,000  Southern MN Muni Pwr Agy Pwr Supply Sys Rev 
       Ser A (MBIA Insd)  ..................................    *      01/01/22  1,201,800
                                                                                 ---------
                                                                                 7,072,150
                                                                                 ---------
Mississippi  0.6%
1,000  Claiborne Cnty, MS Pollutn Ctl Rev Sys Energy Res Inc. 9.500    04/01/16  1,064,620
1,500  Mississippi Hosp Equip & Fac MS Baptist Med Cent 
       Rfdg (MBIA Insd)   ..................................  6.000    05/01/13  1,491,735
                                                                                 ---------
                                                                                 2,556,355
                                                                                 ---------
Missouri   1.4%
 1,000  Clay Cnty, MO Indl Dev Auth Indl Dev Rev  ..........  8.250    10/01/08  1,011,840
 3,000  Missouri St Hsg Dev Cmnty Mtg Rev Ser B  ...........  7.000    09/01/10  3,175,290
 1,500  Phelps Cnty, MO Hosp Rev Phelps Cnty Regl 
        Med Cent (Prerefunded @ 03/01/00)  .................  8.300    03/01/20  1,754,940
                                                                                 ---------
                                                                                 5,942,070
                                                                                 ---------
Nebraska  2.1%
 8,300  Nebraska Invt Fin Single Family Secs Pgm B 
        (Inverse Fltg)   ...................................  10.508   03/15/22  9,347,875
                                                                                 ---------
Nevada  1.3%
 2,605  Nevada Hsg Div Single Family Pgm Ser B  ............   8.375   10/01/20  2,854,741
 2,740  Washoe Cnty, NV Hosp Fac Rev Washoe Med Cent A 
        Rfdg (FSA Insd)   ..................................   6.000   06/01/15  2,727,232
                                                                                 ---------
                                                                                 5,581,973
                                                                                 ---------
        New York  10.2%
 3,000  New York City Indl Spl Fac Terminal One Group 
        Assn Proj ..........................................    6.000  01/01/15  2,864,160
 2,250  New York City Muni Wtr Fin Auth & Swr Sys Rev 
        (Prerefunded @ 06/15/01)   .........................    7.750  06/15/20  2,640,083
 1,000  New York City Ser A   ..............................    5.200  08/01/02    972,420
 7,000  New York City Ser A Rfdg   .........................    7.000  08/01/04  7,530,530
 3,800  New York City Ser C   ..............................    7.000  08/15/08  3,944,742
 1,000  New York City Tran Auth Tran Fac Livingston Plaza 
        Proj Rfdg (FSA Insd)  ..............................    5.400  01/01/18    932,260
 4,615  New York St Dorm Auth Rev St Univ Edl Fac Ser B  ...    7.000  05/15/16  4,810,814
</TABLE>

                              7   See Notes to Financial Statements



<TABLE>
                            Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
                                      June 30, 1995
<CAPTION>
Par
Amount
(000)     Description                                            Coupon   Maturity  Market Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>       <C>                                                    <C>      <C>       <C>    
          New York (Continued)
$  1,110  New York St Med Care Fac Fin Agy Rev Mental Hlth 
          Svcs Fac Ser A   ....................................   7.750%  08/15/11  $  1,221,855
   2,985  New York St Med Care Fac Fin Agy Rev Mental Hlth 
          Svcs Fac Ser A (Prerefunded @ 02/15/01)  ............   7.750   08/15/11     3,490,719
   2,520  New York St Thruway Auth Genl Rev Spl Oblig 
          Crossover Ser A   ...................................       *   01/01/97     2,323,339
     500  New York St Urban Dev Corp Rev Correctional Cap 
          Fac Ser A Rfdg   ....................................   5.500   01/01/08       474,435
   2,200  New York St Urban Dev Corp Rev Correctional Cap 
          Fac Ser C (Prerefunded @ 01/01/98) (AMBAC Insd)   ...   7.750   01/01/13     2,428,360
   7,000  New York St Urban Dev Corp Rev Correctional Cap 
          Fac Ser 2 (Prerefunded @ 01/01/01)  .................   7.500   01/01/18     8,082,340
   2,635  New York St Urban Dev Corp Rev Youth Fac   ..........   5.875   04/01/08     2,584,961
                                                                                      ----------
                                                                                      44,301,018
                                                                                      ----------
          North Carolina 5.9%
   7,000  North Carolina Eastn Muni Pwr Agy Pwr Sys Rev 
          Ser B Rfdg (Embedded Cap)   .........................   6.000   01/01/14     6,743,030
   4,225  North Carolina Muni Pwr (AMBAC Insd)   ..............   5.750   01/01/15     4,090,349
  15,000  North Carolina Muni Pwr Agy No 1 Catawba Elec 
          Rev (Embedded Cap)  .................................   6.000   01/01/12    14,692,200
                                                                                      ----------
                                                                                      25,525,579
                                                                                      ----------
          North Dakota  0.4%
   1,515  North Dakota St Hsg Single Family Mtg Rev Ser A  ....   8.375   07/01/21     1,599,658
                                                                                      ----------
          Ohio  1.6%
   3,965  Mason, OH Hlth Care Fac Rev (FHA Insd)   ............   7.625   02/01/40     4,283,191
  12,160  Ohio Hsg Fin Agy Single Family Mtg Rev Ser B  .......     *     11/15/14     1,790,439
   1,000  Ohio St Air Quality Dev Auth Rev JMG Funding Ltd 
          Partnership Proj Rfdg (AMBAC Insd)  .................   6.375   04/01/29     1,031,070
                                                                                      ----------
                                                                                       7,104,700
                                                                                      ----------
          Oregon  0.6%
   2,500  Oregon St Hsg & Cmnty Svcs Dept Mtg Rev 
          Single Family Mtg Proj Ser B   ......................   6.875   07/01/28     2,606,325
                                                                                      ----------
          Pennsylvania  9.5%
   6,000  Delaware Cnty, PA Indl Dev Auth Rev Res Recovery 
          Proj Ser A  .........................................   8.100  12/01/13      6,345,540
   1,750  Emmaus, PA Genl Auth Rev Var Loc Govt Bond Pool 
          Pgm Ser B Var Rate Cpn (BIGI Insd)   ................   8.000  05/15/18      1,921,553
  10,000  Geisinger Auth PA Hlth Sys Muni Cap Ser A 
          (Embedded Cap)  .....................................   6.197  07/01/22     10,136,400
   5,000  Pennsylvania St Higher Edl Assistance Agy Student Ln 
          Rev Ser B (Inverse Fltg) (MBIA Insd)  ...............  10.696  03/01/20      5,650,000
</TABLE>

                                     8       See Notes to Financial Statements


<TABLE>
                                 Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
                                           June 30, 1995
<CAPTION>
Par
Amount
(000)     Description                                               Coupon  Maturity  Market Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>       <C>                                                        <C>     <C>       <C>     
          Pennsylvania (Continued)
$  1,100  Pennsylvania St Higher Edl Fac Auth Rev Med 
          College PA Ser A   .....................................   8.375%  03/01/11  $  1,179,882
   1,750  Philadelphia, PA Sch Dist Ser A (AMBAC Insd)   .........     *     07/01/01     1,289,663
   6,950  Philadelphia, PA Wtr & Swr Rev 16th Ser   ..............   7.500   08/01/10     8,038,856
   2,000  Ridley Park, PA Hosp Auth Rev Hosp Auth Rev 
          Ser 1993 A  ............................................   6.000   12/01/13     1,731,500
   4,745  Sayre, PA Hlthcare Fac Auth Rev VHA Cap Asset Fin 
          Pgm Ser A (AMBAC Insd) <F3>   ..........................   7.700   12/01/15     5,315,823
                                                                                         ----------
                                                                                         41,609,217
                                                                                         ----------
          Rhode Island  0.3%
   1,000  Providence, RI Pub Bldg Auth Ser B (Cap Guar Insd)  .....  7.250   12/15/10     1,100,370
                                                                                         ----------
          South Carolina 0.4%
   1,610  South Carolina St Hsg Fin Dev Auth Homeowner Ser A ......  7.400   07/01/23     1,693,157
                                                                                         ----------
          Tennessee  3.0%
  12,230  Tennessee Hsg Dev Agy Mtg Fin Ser A   ...................  7.125   07/01/26    12,872,809
                                                                                         ----------
          Texas  4.4%
  2,370  Brazos Cnty, TX Hlth Fac Dev   ...........................  6.000   01/01/13     2,249,557
  7,065  Dallas Cnty, TX Util & Reclamation Dist Cap Apprec 
         (MBIA Insd)   ............................................      *   02/15/20     1,236,092
    935  Dallas Cnty, TX Util & Reclamation Dist Cap Apprec 
         (Prerefunded @ 02/15/00) (MBIA Insd)  ....................      *   02/15/20       173,994
  1,000  Dallas-Fort Worth, TX Regl Arpt Jt Dallas-Fort Worth Intl 
         Ser F Rfdg (FGIC Insd) <F2>   ............................  5.625   11/01/15       953,930
  4,820  Harris Cnty, TX Toll Rd (Prerefunded @ 08/15/09) 
         (AMBAC Insd)   ...........................................      *   08/15/18     1,173,092
  1,000  Harris Cnty, TX Toll Rd (Prerefunded @ 08/15/09) 
         (AMBAC Insd)   ...........................................      *   08/15/21       197,990
  3,525  Texas Muni Pwr Agy Rev (AMBAC Insd)   ....................      *   09/01/07     1,745,404
  6,420  Texas St Pub Ppty Fin Corp Rev Mental Hlth & 
         Retardation Rfdg (Cap Guar Insd)   .......................  5.500   09/01/13     6,067,157
  1,860  Texas St Pub Ppty Fin Corp Rev Mental Hlth & 
         Retardation (Prerefunded @ 01/01/98) (BIGI Insd)  ........  7.875   01/01/08     2,021,243
  2,000  Texas St Pub Ppty Fin Corp Rev Mental Hlth & 
         Retardation (Prerefunded @ 01/01/98) (BIGI Insd)  ........  7.875   01/01/09     2,173,380
  1,250  West Side Calhoun Cnty, TX Navig Dist Solid Waste 
         Disp Union Carbide Chem & Plastics   .....................  8.200   03/15/21     1,378,487
                                                                                         ----------
                                                                                         19,370,326
                                                                                         ----------
         Utah  2.0%
  5,210  Salt Lake City, UT Arpt Rev Delta Airls Inc Proj   .......  7.900   06/01/17     5,504,261
  3,300  Salt Lake City, UT Hosp Rev IHC Hosp Inc Rfdg 
         (Embedded Cap)  ..........................................  5.500   02/15/17     3,056,724
                                                                                         ----------
                                                                                          8,560,985
                                                                                         ----------
</TABLE>
                                    9       See Notes to Financial Statements




<TABLE>
                                Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
                                            June 30, 1995
<CAPTION>
Par
Amount
(000)    Description                                             Coupon  Maturity  Market Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>      <C>                                                     <C>     <C>       <C>
         West Virginia  1.0%
$ 2,480  South Charleston, WV Indl Dev Rev Union Carbide 
         Chem & Plastics Ser A   .............................   8.000%  08/01/20  $  2,660,594
  1,600  West Virginia St Hsg Dev Hsg Fin Ser A   ............   7.400   11/01/11     1,694,528
                                                                                    -----------
                                                                                      4,355,122
                                                                                    -----------
         Wisconsin  0.8%
  3,000  Wisconsin St Hlth & Edl Fac Auth Rev Wheaton 
         Franciscan (Prerefunded @ 08/15/98)  ................   8.200   08/15/18     3,399,510
                                                                                    -----------
         Puerto Rico  0.2%
  1,000  Puerto Rico Elec Pwr Auth Pwr Rev Ser N   ...........   7.000   07/01/07     1,068,280
                                                                                    -----------
         Swaps  0.0%
         JP Morgan Securities, $10,000,000 notional amount, 
         01/01/96 maturity, Trust pays variable rate, Trust 
         receives 5.45% fixed rate (used to offset variable 
         component of Geisinger Auth PA Hlth Sys Muni 
         Cap Ser A Bond) .........................................................      (69,858)
                                                                                    -----------
         Total Long-Term Investments 98.7%
         (Cost $400,453,366) <F1> ................................................  430,211,234 
         Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities  1.3% .............................    5,878,302
                                                                                    -----------
         Net Assets  100% ........................................................ $436,089,536
                                                                                    -----------

*Zero coupon bond

<FN>
<F1>  At June 30, 1995, cost for federal income tax purposes is $400,453,366;
      the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is $32,212,541 and the 
      aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is $2,361,591, resulting in net 
      unrealized appreciation including open futures transactions of
      $29,850,950. 
<F2>  Securities purchased on a when issued or delayed delivery basis. 
<F3>  Assets segregated as collateral for when issued or delayed delivery 
      purchase commitments and open futures transactions. 
<F4>  Private placement issue. 
</TABLE>


The following table summarizes the portfolio composition at June 30, 1995, based
upon quality ratings issued by Standard & Poor's. For securities not rated by 
Standard & Poor's, the Moody's rating is used.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Portfolio Composition by Credit Quality
        <S>              <C>                                
        AAA ...........    35.4%
        AA  ...........     9.6 
        A  ............    26.1 
        BBB  ..........    14.3 
        BB  ...........    12.6 
        B  ............     0.2 
        Non-Rated  ....     1.8
                          ------
                          100.0%
                          ------
</TABLE>

                           10    See Notes to Financial Statements



<TABLE>
                             Statement of Assets and Liabilities
                                        June 30, 1995
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                            <C>
Assets:
Investments, at Market Value (Cost $400,453,366) (Note 1) ................................     $  430,211,234 
Receivables:
  Interest ...............................................................................          8,068,846 
  Investments Sold  ......................................................................          3,032,397
                                                                                                ------------- 
Total Assets .............................................................................        441,312,477 
                                                                                                ------------- 
Liabilities:
Payables:
  Investments Purchased ..................................................................          2,986,150 
  Custodian Bank  ........................................................................  `       1,111,757 
  Income Distributions - Common and Preferred Shares  ....................................            295,458 
  Investment Advisory Fee (Note 2)  ......................................................            217,075 
  Margin on Futures (Note 5)  ............................................................            154,063 
Accrued Expenses .........................................................................            458,438
                                                                                                -------------  
Total Liabilities ........................................................................          5,222,941
                                                                                                -------------  
Net Assets ...............................................................................     $  436,089,536 
                                                                                                ------------- 
Net Assets Consist of:
Preferred Shares ($.01 par value, authorized 1,000,000 shares, 330 issued with liquidation
preference of $500,000 per share) (Note 6) ...............................................     $  165,000,000 
                                                                                                ------------- 
Common Shares ($.01 par value with an unlimited number of shares authorized,
27,775,981 shares issued and outstanding) (Note 3) .......................................            277,760 
Paid in Surplus (Note 3) .................................................................        256,561,256 
Net Unrealized Appreciation on Investments  ..............................................         29,850,950 
Accumulated Undistributed Net Investment Income  .........................................          3,135,019 
Accumulated Net Realized Loss on Investments .............................................        (18,735,449)
                                                                                                ------------- 
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares ...................................................        271,089,536
                                                                                                -------------  
Net Assets ...............................................................................     $  436,089,536 
                                                                                                ------------- 
Net Asset Value Per Common Share ($271,089,536 divided by 
27,775,981 shares outstanding)  ..........................................................     $         9.76 
                                                                                                ------------- 

</TABLE>
                                  11  See Notes to Financial Statements


<TABLE>
                                      Statement of Operations
                                  For the Year Ended June 30, 1995
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                                <C>  
Investment Income:
Interest ........................................................................................  $    30,299,526
                                                                                                    -------------- 
Expenses:
Investment Advisory Fee (Note 2)  ...............................................................        2,598,940 
Preferred Share Maintenance (Note 6) ............................................................          470,711 
Shareholder Services  ...........................................................................          186,269 
Legal (Note 2)  .................................................................................           45,280 
Trustees Fees and Expenses (Note 2) .............................................................           21,900 
Other  ..........................................................................................          293,957 
                                                                                                    -------------- 
Total Expenses ..................................................................................        3,617,057
                                                                                                    --------------  
Net Investment Income ...........................................................................  $    26,682,469 
                                                                                                    -------------- 
Realized and Unrealized Gain/Loss on Investments:
Realized Gain/Loss on Investments:
Proceeds from Sales .............................................................................  $   159,090,816 
Cost of Securities Sold .........................................................................     (172,093,493)
                                                                                                    -------------- 
Net Realized Loss on Investments (Including realized loss on closed and expired option and
futures transactions of $638,697 and $6,883,909, respectively) ..................................      (13,002,677)
                                                                                                    -------------- 
Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on Investments:
Beginning of the Period  ........................................................................       18,774,316 
End of the Period (Including unrealized appreciation on open futures transactions of $93,082) ...       29,850,950 
                                                                                                    -------------- 
Net Unrealized Appreciation on Investments During the Period ....................................       11,076,634
                                                                                                    --------------  
Net Realized and Unrealized Loss on Investments .................................................  $    (1,926,043)
                                                                                                    -------------- 
Net Increase in Net Assets from Operations  .....................................................  $    24,756,426 
                                                                                                    -------------- 
</TABLE>

                                    12  See Notes to Financial Statements



<TABLE>
                              Statement of Changes in Net Assets
                          For the Years Ended June 30, 1995 and 1994
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Year Ended       Year Ended
                                                                     June 30, 1995    June 30, 1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                  <C>              <C>
From Investment Activities:               
Operations:
Net Investment Income .............................................  $   26,682,469   $    27,386,640 
Net Realized Loss on Investments ..................................     (13,002,677)       (3,364,551)
Net Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on Investments 
During the Period  ................................................      11,076,634       (30,062,371)
                                                                        -----------        ----------
Change in Net Assets from Operations   ............................      24,756,426        (6,040,282)
                                                                        -----------        ----------
Distributions from Net Investment Income:
Common Shares  ....................................................     (23,197,415)      (22,955,321)
Preferred Shares  .................................................      (6,187,268)       (4,236,270)
                                                                        -----------        ----------
Total Distributions  ..............................................     (29,384,683)      (27,191,591)
                                                                        -----------        ----------
Net Change in Net Assets from Investment Activities  ..............      (4,628,257)      (33,231,873)
From Capital Transactions (Note 3):
Value of Common Shares Issued Through Dividend Reinvestment .......       3,009,912         3,019,714 
                                                                        -----------        ----------
Total Decrease in Net Assets ......................................      (1,618,345)      (30,212,159)
Net Assets:
Beginning of the Period  ..........................................     437,707,881       467,920,040 
                                                                        -----------       -----------
End of the Period (Including undistributed net investment income of
$3,135,019 and $5,837,233, respectively)  .........................  $  436,089,536   $   437,707,881
                                                                        -----------       ----------- 

</TABLE>
                                     13   See Notes to Financial Statements





<TABLE>
                             Financial Highlights

The following schedule presents financial highlights for one common share
  of the Trust outstanding throughout the periods indicated.
<CAPTION>
                                                Year Ended June 30,
                                               1995         1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>          <C>          
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period <F1> ...  $   9.924    $  11.133
                                                --------     --------  
Net Investment Income .......................       .964        1.000  
Net Realized and Unrealized 
Gain/Loss on Investments  ...................      (.065)      (1.214)
                                                --------     --------   
Total from Investment Operations  ...........       .899        (.214)
                                                --------     --------   
Less:
Distributions from Net Investment Income:
Paid to Common Shareholders .................       .840         .840  
Common Share Equivalent of 
Distributions Paid to
Preferred Shareholders  .....................       .223         .155  
Distributions from and in Excess
of Net Realized Gain on
Investments Paid to Common
Shareholders (Note 1)  ......................        -0-          -0- 
                                                --------     --------   
Total Distributions  ........................      1.063         .995
                                                --------     --------    
Net Asset Value, End of Period  .............  $   9.760    $   9.924
                                                --------     --------    
Market Price Per Share at End of Period  ....  $  11.125    $  11.125  
Total Investment Return at Market Price 
(Non-Annualized) <F2>  ......................       8.59%       (0.05%)
Total Return at Net Asset Value
(Non-Annualized) <F3>  ......................       7.24%       (3.63%)
Net Assets at End of Period (In millions) ...  $   436.1    $   437.7  
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets
Applicable to Common Shares 
(Annualized) ................................       1.33%        1.28% 
Ratio of Expenses to Average
Net Assets (Annualized)  ....................        .83%         .82% 
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
Average Net Assets Applicable to
Common Shares (Annualized) <F4> .............       7.56%        7.86% 
Portfolio Turnover ..........................      38.43%       44.78% 


* If certain expenses had not been assumed by the Adviser for the period ended
June 30, 1989, the ratio of expenses to average net assets applicable to common
shares would have been 1.07% and the ratio of net investment income to average
net assets applicable to common shares would have been 5.99%.

<FN>
<F1>  Net asset value at August 26, 1988, is adjusted for common and preferred 
      share offering costs of $.120 per share. 
<F2>  Total investment return at market price reflects the change in market
      value of the common shares for the period indicated with reinvestment of
      dividends in accordance with the Trust's dividend reinvestment plan. 
<F3>  Total return at net asset value (NAV) reflects the change in value of the
      Trust's assets with  reinvestment of dividends based upon NAV. 
<F4>  Net investment income is adjusted for common share equivalent of
      distributions paid to preferred shareholders. 
</TABLE>

N/A = Not Applicable

                                      14


<TABLE>
The following schedule presents financial highlights for one common share
  of the Trust outstanding throughout the periods indicated.
<CAPTION>
                                                   August 26, 1988
                                                     (Commencement
                                                     of Investment
Year Ended June 30                                  Operations) to
      1993         1992        1991        1990      June 30, 1989
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
$     10.688   $   9.805   $   9.534   $   9.767    $ 9.180
- ------------   ---------   ---------   ---------    -------
       1.078       1.095       1.093       1.070       .766
        .520        .848        .295       (.229)      .559
- ------------   ---------   ---------   ---------    -------
       1.598       1.943       1.388        .841      1.325
- ------------   ---------   ---------   ---------    -------
        .829        .791        .725        .685       .501
        .162        .238        .337        .389       .237
        .162        .031        .055         -0-        -0-
- ------------   ---------   ---------   ---------    -------
       1.153       1.060       1.117       1.074       .738
- ------------   ---------   ---------   ---------    -------
$     11.133   $  10.688   $   9.805   $   9.534    $ 9.767
- ------------   ---------   ---------   ---------    -------
$     12.000   $  11.375   $  10.125   $   9.250    $ 9.500
       15.20%      21.65%      18.71%       4.65%       .10%
       13.97%      18.08%      11.61%       4.76%     10.62%
$      467.9   $   452.7   $   426.7   $   418.3    $ 424.4
        1.25%       1.35%       1.46%       1.43%       .92%*
         .80%        .84%        .89%        .87%       N/A
        8.41%       8.41%       7.88%       7.11%      6.15%*
       44.74%      26.53%      68.76%     116.21%     89.63%
</TABLE>

                                15   See Notes to Financial Statements


                          Notes to Financial Statements
                                  June 30, 1995


1. Significant Accounting Policies

Van Kampen Merritt Municipal Income Trust (the "Trust") is registered as a
diversified closed-end management investment company under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended. The Trust commenced investment operations 
on August 26, 1988.
  The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently
followed by the Trust in the preparation of its financial statements.

A. Security Valuation-Investments are stated at value using market quotations 
or, if such valuations are not available, estimates obtained from yield data 
relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics in accordance
with procedures established in good faith by the Board of Trustees. Short-term
securities with remaining maturities of less than 60 days are valued at 
amortized cost.

B. Security Transactions-Security transactions are recorded on a trade date
basis. Realized gains and losses are determined on an identified cost basis. The
Trust may purchase and sell securities on a "when issued" or "delayed delivery"
basis, with settlement to occur at a later date. The value of the security so 
purchased is subject to market fluctuations during this period. The Trust will
maintain, in a segregated account with its custodian, assets having an aggregate
value at least equal to the amount of the when issued or delayed delivery 
purchase commitments until payment is made. 

C. Investment Income-Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Bond 
premium and original issue discount are amortized over the expected life of each
applicable security.

D. Federal Income Taxes-It is the Trust's policy to comply with the requirements
of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to
distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. 
Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required.  
  The Trust intends to utilize provisions of the federal income tax laws which
allow it to carry a realized capital loss forward for eight years following the
year of the loss and offset such losses against any future realized capital
gains. At June 30, 1995, the Trust had an accumulated capital loss carryforward
for tax purposes of $464,732, which will expire on June 30, 2002. Net realized
gains or losses may differ for financial and tax reporting purposes primarily as
a result of post October 31 losses which are not recognized for tax purposes
until the first day of the following fiscal year.


                                     16



                     Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
                                  June 30, 1995

E. Distribution of Income and Gains-The Trust declares and pays monthly 
dividends from net investment income to common shareholders.  Net realized
gains, if any, are distributed annually to common shareholders. Distributions
from net realized gains for book purposes may include short-term capital
gains, which are included as ordinary income for tax purposes.

2. Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the Trust's Investment Advisory Agreement, Van Kampen
American Capital Investment Advisory Corp. (the "Adviser") will provide
investment advice and facilities to the Trust for an annual fee payable monthly
of .60% of the average net assets of the Trust. 
  Certain legal expenses are paid to Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom,
counsel to the Trust, of which a trustee of the Trust is an affiliated person. 
  For the year ended June 30, 1995, the Trust recognized expenses of 
approximately $36,700 representing Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, 
Inc.'s or its affiliates' (collectively "VKAC") cost of providing accounting,
legal and certain shareholder services to the Trust.
  Certain officers and trustees of the Trust are also officers and directors of
VKAC. The Trust does not compensate its officers or trustees who are officers of
VKAC.
  The Trust has implemented deferred compensation and retirement plans for its 
trustees. Under the deferred compensation plan, trustees may elect to defer all
or a portion of their compensation to a later date. The retirement plan covers
those trustees who are not officers 
of VKAC. The Trust's liability under the deferred compensation and retirement
plans at June 30, 1995, was approximately $19,400.

3. Capital Transactions

At June 30, 1995 and 1994, common share paid in surplus aggregated $256,561,256
and $253,554,309, respectively.
  Transactions in common shares were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Year Ended     Year Ended
                                                  June 30, 1995  June 30, 1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>            <C>            
Beginning Shares  ..............................     27,479,484     27,208,123
Shares Issued Through Dividend Reinvestment  ...        296,497        271,361
                                                   ------------   ------------
Ending Shares  .................................     27,775,981     27,479,484
                                                   ------------   ------------
</TABLE>

                                      17



                     Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
                                   June 30, 1995

4. Investment Transactions

Aggregate purchases and cost of sales of investment securities, excluding 
short-term notes, for the year ended June 30, 1995, were $161,943,839 and
$172,093,493, respectively.

5. Derivative Financial Instruments

A derivative financial instrument in very general terms refers to a security
whose value is "derived" from the value of an underlying asset, reference rate
or index.
  The Trust has a variety of reasons to use derivative instruments, such as to
attempt to protect the Trust against possible changes in the market value of its
portfolio and to manage the portfolio's effective yield, maturity and duration.
All of the Trust's portfolio holdings, including derivative instruments, are
marked to market each day with the change in value reflected in the unrealized 
appreciation/depreciation on investments. Upon disposition, a realized gain or 
loss is recognized accordingly, except for exercised option contracts where the
recognition of gain or loss is postponed until the disposal of the security
underlying the option contract.
  Summarized below are the specific types of derivative financial instruments
used by the Trust.

A. Option Contracts-An option contract gives the buyer the right, but not the
obligation to buy (call) or sell (put) an underlying item at a fixed exercise
price during a specified period. These contracts are generally used by the Trust
to manage the portfolio's effective maturity and duration.
  Transactions in options for the year ended June 30, 1995, were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Contracts      Premium
- ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>        <C>             
Outstanding at June 30, 1994 ...       500   $     113,172 
Options Written and
Purchased (Net) ................     5,354      (1,019,985)
Options Terminated in Closing
Transactions (Net)  ............    (1,258)         30,312 
Options Expired (Net)  .........    (4,004)        912,610 
Options Exercised (Net)  .......      (592)        (36,109)
                                  ---------  --------------
Outstanding at June 30, 1995 ...       -0-   $         -0- 
                                  ---------  --------------

</TABLE>


                                   18


                  Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
                               June 30, 1995

B. Futures Contracts-A futures contract is an agreement involving the delivery
of a particular asset on a specified future date at an agreed upon price. The 
Trust generally invests in futures on U.S. Treasury Bonds and the Municipal Bond
Index and typically closes the contract prior to the delivery date. These
contracts are generally used by the Trust to manage the portfolio's effective
maturity and duration.
  The fluctuation in market value of the contracts is settled daily through a
cash margin account. Realized gains and losses are recognized when the contracts
are closed or expire.
  Transactions in futures contracts, each with a par value of $100,000, for the
year ended June 30, 1995, were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Contracts
- --------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>        
Outstanding at June 30, 1994 ....     2,350 
Futures Opened ..................    12,526 
Futures Closed  .................   (13,726)
                                   ---------
Outstanding at June 30, 1995  ...     1,150 
                                   ---------
</TABLE>


  The futures contracts outstanding at June 30, 1995, and the descriptions and 
unrealized appreciation/depreciation are as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Unrealized
                                          Appreciation/
                               Contracts  Depreciation
- -------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>        <C>            
U.S. Treasury Bond Futures
Sept 1995 - Buys to Open ....        300  $    456,954 
Sept 1995 - Sells to Open ...        250       (25,455)
Euro $ Futures
Dec 1995 - Sells to Open  ...        350      (126,837)
Mar 1996 - Sells to Open ....        250      (211,580)
                               ---------  -------------
                                   1,150  $     93,082 
                               ---------  -------------
</TABLE>


C. Swap Transactions-These transactions are identified in the portfolio of
investments and represent an agreement between two parties to exchange a series
of cash flows at specified intervals. The cash flows can be indexed to various
indices such as interest rates. The difference in the cash flows is recorded as
an increase or decrease in interest income.


                                      19


                   Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
                                  June 30, 1995

D. Indexed Securities-These instruments are identified in the portfolio of
investments. The price of these securities may be more volatile than the
price of a comparable fixed rate security.
  An Inverse Floating security is one where the coupon is inversely indexed to a
short-term floating interest rate multiplied by a specified factor. As the
floating rate rises, the coupon is reduced. Conversely, as the floating rate
declines, the coupon is increased. These instruments are typically used by the 
Trust to enhance the yield of the portfolio.
  An Embedded Cap security includes a cap strike level such that the coupon
payment may be supplemented by cap payments if the floating rate index upon
which the cap is based rises above the strike level. The Trust invests in these
instruments as a hedge against a rise in the short term interest rates which it
pays on its preferred shares.

6. Preferred Shares

The Trust has outstanding 330 shares of rate adjusted tax-exempt preferred 
shares ("Rates") in three series of 110 shares each. Dividends are cumulative
and the rate on each series is currently reset every 28 days through an auction
process. The average rate in effect on June 30, 1995, was 3.96%. During the year
ended June 30, 1995, the rates ranged from 2.79% to 5.20%.
  The Trust pays annual fees equivalent to .25% of the preferred share
liquidation value for the remarketing efforts associated with the preferred
auctions. These fees are included as a component of Preferred Share Maintenance
expense.
  The Rates are redeemable at the option of the Trust in whole or in part at a
price of $500,000 per share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends. The Trust is
subject to certain asset coverage tests, and the Rates are subject to mandatory
redemption if the tests are not met. 


                                     20



                       Independent Auditors' Report


The Board of Trustees and Shareholders of Van Kampen Merritt Municipal Income 
Trust:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Van
Kampen Merritt Municipal Income Trust (the "Trust"), including the portfolio of
investments, as of June 30, 1995, and the related statement of operations for
the year then ended, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the two
years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the
periods presented. These financial statements and financial highlights are the 
responsibility of the Trust's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our 
audits.
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing 
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of June
30, 1995, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. An audit also 
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made
by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement 
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our 
opinion.
  In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Van
Kampen Merritt Municipal Income Trust as of June 30, 1995, the results of its
operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of
the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of
the periods presented, in conformity with generally accepted accounting 
principles.

                                                    KPMG Peat Marwick LLP 
Chicago, Illinois
August 3, 1995


                                   21



Funds Distributed by Van Kampen American Capital


GLOBAL AND INTERNATIONAL
  Global Equity Fund
  Global Government Securities Fund
  Global Managed Assets Fund
  Short-Term Global Income Fund
  Strategic Income Fund

EQUITY
Growth
  Emerging Growth Fund
  Enterprise Fund
  Pace Fund

Growth & Income
  Balanced Fund
  Comstock Fund
  Equity Income Fund
  Growth and Income Fund
  Harbor Fund
  Real Estate Securities Fund
  Utility Fund

FIXED INCOME
  Corporate Bond Fund
  Government Securities Fund
  High Income Corporate Bond Fund
  High Yield Fund
  Limited Maturity Government Fund
  Prime Rate Income Trust
  Reserve Fund
  U.S. Government Fund
  U.S. Government Trust for Income

TAX-FREE
  California Insured Tax Free Fund
  Florida Insured Tax Free 
    Income Fund
  High Yield Municipal Fund
  Insured Tax Free Income Fund
  Limited Term Municipal 
    Income Fund
  Municipal Income Fund
  New Jersey Tax Free Income Fund
  New York Tax Free Income Fund
  Pennsylvania Tax Free Income Fund
  Tax Free High Income Fund
  Tax Free Money Fund
  Texas Tax Free Income Fund

THE GOVETT FUNDS
  Emerging Markets Fund
  Global Income Fund
  International Equity Fund
  Latin America Fund
  Pacific Strategy Fund
  Smaller Companies Fund

Ask your investment representative for a prospectus containing more complete 
information, including sales charges and expenses. Please read it carefully 
before you invest or send money. Or call us direct at 1-800-421-5666 weekdays 
from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central time.


                                 22



Van Kampen Merritt Municipal Income Trust


Officers and Trustees

Don G. Powell*
Chairman and Trustee

Dennis J. McDonnell*
President and Trustee

David C. Arch
Trustee

Rod Dammeyer
Trustee

Howard J Kerr
Trustee

Theodore A. Myers
Trustee

Hugo F. Sonnenschein
Trustee

Wayne W. Whalen*
Trustee

Peter W. Hegel*
Vice President

Ronald A. Nyberg*
Vice President and Secretary

Edward C. Wood, III*
Vice President and Treasurer

Scott E. Martin*
Assistant Secretary

Weston B. Wetherell*
Assistant Secretary

Nicholas Dalmaso*
Assistant Secretary

John L. Sullivan*
Controller

Steven M. Hill*
Assistant Treasurer


Investment Adviser

Van Kampen American Capital Investment Advisory Corp.
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181


Custodian and
Transfer Agent

State Street Bank
and Trust Company
225 Franklin Street
P.O. Box 1713
Boston, Massachusetts 02105


Legal Counsel

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606


Independent Auditors

KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Peat Marwick Plaza
303 East Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60601


*"Interested" persons of the Trust, as defined in the Investment Company Act of
1940.

(C)Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc., 1995 All rights reserved.

SM denotes a service mark of
Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc.

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Van Kampen Merritt Municipal Income Trust

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