UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

 

FORM N-CSRS

 

Investment Company Act file number 811-05655

 

DWS Municipal Income Trust

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

222 South Riverside Plaza

Chicago, IL 60606

(Address of principal executive offices)             (Zip code)

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (212) 454-7190

 

Paul Schubert

345 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10154

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

Date of fiscal year end:

11/30

 

Date of reporting period:

05/31/06

 

 

ITEM 1.               REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS

 

 

 

MAY 31, 2006

Semiannual Report
to Shareholders

DWS Municipal Income Trust

(formerly Scudder Municipal Income Trust)

mit_Cover140

Contents

Click Here Performance Summary

Click Here Portfolio Management Review

Click Here Portfolio Summary

Click Here Investment Portfolio

Click Here Financial Statements

Click Here Financial Highlights

Click Here Notes to Financial Statements

Click Here Other Information

Click Here Shareholder Meeting Results

Click Here Dividend Repurchase Plan

Click Here Additional Information

Click Here Privacy Statement

Investments in funds involve risk. Certain investors' income may be subject to the federal Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), and federal, state and local taxes may apply. The fund invests in individual bonds whose yields and market values fluctuate, so that your investment may be worth more or less than its original cost. Bond investments are subject to interest-rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of the bonds, and thus the value of the bond fund, can decline and the investor can lose principal value. Closed-end funds, unlike open-end funds, are not continuously offered. There is a one time public offering and once issued, shares of closed-end funds are sold in the open market through a stock exchange. Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount to net asset value. The price of the fund's shares is determined by a number of factors, several of which are beyond the control of the fund. Therefore, the fund cannot predict whether its shares will trade at, below or above net asset value.

DWS Scudder is part of Deutsche Asset Management, which is the marketing name in the US for the asset management activities of Deutsche Bank AG, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, Deutsche Asset Management, Inc., Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. and DWS Trust Company.

NOT FDIC/NCUA INSURED NO BANK GUARANTEE MAY LOSE VALUE NOT A DEPOSIT NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

Performance Summary May 31, 2006

Performance is historical, assumes reinvestment of all dividend and capital gain distributions, and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value fluctuate with changing market conditions so that, when sold, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Please visit www.cef.dws-scudder.com for the Fund's most recent month-end performance.

Average Annual Total Returns as of 5/31/06

DWS Municipal Income Trust

6-Month*

1-Year

3-Year

5-Year

10-Year

Based on Net Asset Value(a)

1.36%

1.55%

3.98%

7.27%

6.93%

Based on Market Price(a)

-11.24%

-8.29%

1.70%

5.92%

5.07%

Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index+

1.52%

1.89%

3.22%

5.27%

5.95%

Sources: Lipper Inc. and Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc.

* Total returns shown for periods less than one year are not annualized.

Net Asset Value and Market Price

 

As of 5/31/06

As of 11/30/05

Net Asset Value

$ 11.94

$ 12.14

Market Price

$ 10.68

$ 12.40

Prices and net asset value fluctuate and are not guaranteed.

Distribution Information

Six Months:

Income Dividends (common shareholders) as of 5/31/06

$ .35

May Income Dividends (common shareholders)

$ .0480

Current Annualized Distribution Rate (based on Net Asset Value) as of 5/31/06++

4.82%

Current Annualized Distribution Rate (based on Market Price) as of 5/31/06++

5.39%

Tax Equivalent Distribution Rate (based on Net Asset Value) as of 5/31/06++

7.42%

Tax Equivalent Distribution Rate (based on Market Price) as of 5/31/06++

8.30%

(a) Total return based on net asset value reflects changes in the Fund's net asset value during each period. Total return based on market value reflects changes in market value. Each figure assumes that dividend and capital gain distributions, if any, were reinvested. These figures will differ depending upon the level of any discount from or premium to net asset value at which the Fund's shares traded during the period.

+ The Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index is an unmanaged, unleveraged market-value-weighted measure of municipal bonds issued across the United States. Index issues have a credit rating of at least Baa and a maturity of at least two years. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends and, unlike Fund returns, do not reflect any fees or expenses. It is not possible to invest directly into an index.

++ Current annualized distribution rate is the latest monthly dividend shown as an annualized percentage of net asset value/market price on May 31, 2006. Distribution rate simply measures the level of dividends and is not a complete measure of performance. Tax equivalent distribution rate is based on the Fund's distribution rate and a marginal income tax rate of 35%. Distribution rates are historical, not guaranteed and will fluctuate.

Portfolio Management Review

Philip G. Condon and Eleanor R. Lynch serve as co-lead portfolio managers of DWS Municipal Income Trust. In the following interview, the DWS municipal bond team discusses the fund's performance for the period and the market environment for municipal bonds.

Q: Will you describe the general market environment during the semiannual period ended May 31, 2006?

A: Municipal bonds delivered tepid results over the period, although returns were significantly above those in the taxable market. The municipal bond market, as measured by the Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index, delivered a total return of 1.52% for the six months ended May 31, 2006.1 The broad bond market, as measured by the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index, delivered a total return of 0.01% for the same period.2

1 The Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index is a broad-based, total-return index comprising more than 46,000 investment-grade, fixed-rate municipal bonds with maturities of at least two years.

2 The Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged, unleveraged index representing domestic taxable investment-grade bonds, with index components for government and corporate securities, mortgage pass-through securities and asset-backed securities with average maturities of one year or more.

Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends and, unlike fund returns, do not reflect any fees or expenses. It is not possible to invest directly into an index.

The US Federal Reserve Board (the Fed) continued to increase short-term interest rates as it attempts to move to a neutral monetary policy. Over the period, the federal funds rate — the overnight interbank lending rate and a benchmark for interest rates generally — was raised four times by 0.25%, to 5.00% as of May 31, 2006. This caused yields on shorter-term bonds, which are highly sensitive to Fed moves, to rise. Since a bond's yield moves in the opposite direction of its price, this meant that prices of short-term bonds generally fell. Interest rates rose to a lesser extent further out along the curve, and in fact were essentially unchanged at the longest end of the municipal yield curve.

The relationship between supply of and demand for municipal issues can be an important factor in the performance of this

Municipal Bond Yield Curve (as of 11/30/05 and 5/31/06)

mit_yield100

Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results.

Source: Municipal Market Data, AAA-rated universe

This chart is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to represent the yield of any DWS fund.

market. High demand or low supply can drive municipal bond prices higher, while low demand or high supply can have the reverse effect. Municipal supply nationally began to ease in late 2005 and, over the first five months of 2006, was down significantly as compared with the same period in 2005. On the demand side, interest from institutional investors such as insurance companies has remained strong, and mutual funds also provided support. In addition, as yields have risen, individual investors have begun to display renewed interest in municipal issues. The combination of lightening supply of and continued broad demand for municipal issues contributed to their strong performance relative to most areas of the taxable market.

The municipal bond yield curve flattened during the six-month period.3 The two-year bond yield increased 35 basis points from 3.24% to 3.59%, while the 30-year yield was essentially unchanged, falling 2 basis points to 4.53% from 4.55%, resulting in a total flattening of 37 basis points. (See the accompanying graph for municipal bond yield for the beginning and the end of the period.)

3 The yield curve is a graph with a left-to-right line that shows how high or low yields are, from the shortest to the longest maturities. Typically (and when the yield curve is characterized as "steep," this is especially true) the line rises from left to right as investors who are willing to tie up their money for a longer period are rewarded with higher yields.

Q: How did DWS Municipal Income Trust perform for the six-month period ended May 31, 2006?

A: DWS Municipal Income Trust delivered a total return based on net asset value of 1.36% for the semiannual period. The fund posted a return based on market value of -11.24%. Its average peer in the Lipper General Municipal Debt Funds category delivered 2.65% in the period.4 The fund's benchmark, the unmanaged, unleveraged Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index, returned 1.52%. (Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Please see page 4 for more complete performance information.)

4 The Lipper General Municipal Debt Funds category includes leveraged closed-end funds that invest in general municipal debt issues in the top four credit grades. Lipper figures represent the average of the total returns reported by all of the funds designated by Lipper Inc. as falling into the General Municipal Debt category. For the 1-, 5- and 10-year periods, this category's average was 3.29% (56 funds), 7.14% (45 funds) and 6.71% (39 funds), respectively, as of 5/31/06. It is not possible to invest directly in a Lipper category.

We believe the fund's return based on market value is primarily the result of two reductions in the fund's dividend over the period. These reductions reflect increased borrowing costs related to the fund's preferred shares. The new dividend rate is lower than the current earnings of the fund and is designed to bring distributions into balance with net earnings over the course of the fund's fiscal year.

Q: How was the fund positioned, and how did this positioning contribute to its performance for the semiannual period ended May 31, 2006?

A: Over the period, we managed the fund to preserve its earnings capacity, while also seeking to minimize taxable capital gains distributions. In this vein, we continued to avoid excessive sales of bonds carrying high distribution yields. However, the rise in short-term rates has caused the borrowing costs of the fund's leverage to rise. In response, the fund recently was required to cut its dividend. For much of the period, we maintained a relatively defensive posture, meaning that we sought to avoid taking any undue credit or interest-rate risk. This translated into an underweighting of both lower-quality and longer-maturity issues compared with many of our peers.5

With respect to credit risk, the yield advantage provided by BBB-rated vs. AAA-rated issues has for some time been narrow by historical standards, and we did not feel that we could justify any significant tilt toward lower quality given the minimal incremental reward.6 This constrained performance a bit as credit spreads continued to tighten over the period. Our holdings of tobacco-related issues helped returns as this sector benefited from spread tightening and refunding activity (which generally results in a price increase as affected issues are revalued to their call date). Ongoing refunding activity is the principal explanation for the increased representation of prerefunded bonds in the fund vs. six months ago.

The flattening of the yield curve has significantly reduced the income advantage provided by longer-term issues. In this vein, we are currently emphasizing bonds with maturities in the 10- to 15-year range and that are priced to a call. We believe the fund is currently well positioned should the yield curve steepen and should quality spreads widen.

We expect to continue to take a prudent approach to investing in the municipal market, while seeking to maintain an attractive dividend and minimize capital gains distributions.

5 "Overweight" means the fund holds a higher weighting in a given sector or security than the benchmark. "Underweight" means the fund holds a lower weighting.

6 Bond ratings are the alphabetical designations indicating the credit quality of a particular bond, as measured by the major agencies. Treasuries, which are backed by the government and therefore free of default risk, are ranked AAA. The riskiest bonds are generally rated CCC and below.

The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio managers only through the end of the period of the report as stated on the cover. The managers' views are subject to change at any time based on market and other conditions and should not be construed as a recommendation. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Portfolio Summary

Asset Allocation

5/31/06

11/30/05

 

 

 

Revenue Bonds

45%

54%

ETM/Prerefunded Bonds

34%

25%

US Government Secured

15%

15%

Lease Obligations

6%

6%

 

100%

100%

Quality

5/31/06

11/30/05

 

 

 

AAA

73%

70%

AA

3%

4%

A

14%

15%

BBB

9%

10%

BB

1%

1%

 

100%

100%

Interest Rate Sensitivity

5/31/06

11/30/05

 

 

 

Average Maturity

4.7 years

5.4 years

Duration

4.3 years

4.7 years

Top Five State Allocations (% of Total Investment Portfolio)

5/31/06

11/30/05

 

 

 

California

12%

12%

Texas

11%

11%

New York

10%

11%

New Jersey

8%

7%

Illinois

6%

5%

Asset allocation, quality, interest rate sensitivity and state allocations are subject to change. Duration shown does not account for the leverage position of the Fund.

The quality ratings represent the lower of Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") credit ratings. The ratings of Moody's and S&P represent their opinions as to the quality of the securities they rate. Ratings are relative and subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. The Fund's credit quality does not remove market risk.

For more complete details about the Fund's investment portfolio, see page 10. A quarterly Fact Sheet is available upon request. Please see the Additional Information section for contact information.

Following the Fund's fiscal first and third quarter-end, a complete portfolio holdings listing is filed with the SEC on Form N-Q. The form will be available on the SEC's Web site at www.sec.gov, and it also may be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.

Investment Portfolio as of May 31, 2006 (Unaudited)

 

Principal Amount ($)

Value ($)

 

 

Municipal Bonds and Notes 154.4%

Alabama 5.3%

Alabama, Port Authority Revenue, Docks Department, AMT, 6.3%, 10/1/2021 (a)

8,250,000

8,477,205

Camden, AL, Industrial Development Board Revenue, AMT, Series B, 6.375%, 12/1/2024

1,000,000

1,088,050

Huntsville, AL, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, Health Care Authority, Series A, 5.75%, 6/1/2031

5,500,000

5,768,180

Huntsville, AL, Water & Sewer Revenue, AMT, 5.75%, 10/1/2011 (a)

8,560,000

9,141,994

24,475,429

Arizona 1.7%

Arizona, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, Health Facilities Authority, Catholic Healthcare West, Series A, 6.625%, 7/1/2020

7,000,000

7,739,620

California 18.2%

California, Electric Revenue, Department of Water Resources and Power Supply, Series A, 5.375%, 5/1/2022

7,350,000

8,046,265

California, Special Assessment Revenue, Golden State Tobacco Securitization Corp.:

 

 

Series B, 5.625%, 6/1/2038

7,080,000

7,839,259

Series 2003-A-1, 6.75%, 6/1/2039

11,730,000

13,124,345

California, State General Obligation:

 

 

Series 2, 5.0%, 9/1/2019

4,385,000

4,596,796

5.0%, 12/1/2020

4,600,000

4,776,594

5.0%, 3/1/2022 (a)

3,500,000

3,652,215

5.125%, 4/1/2024

4,400,000

4,578,112

5.25%, 12/1/2021

10,215,000

10,834,131

5.25%, 4/1/2030

6,250,000

6,473,188

California, State Public Works Board, Lease Revenue, Department of Mental Health, Series A, 5.5%, 6/1/2021

5,000,000

5,414,850

California, State Public Works Board, Various University of California Projects, Series F, 5.0%, 11/1/2017

5,140,000

5,375,772

California, State Revenue Lease, Public Works Board, Department of Corrections, Series C, 5.5%, 6/1/2021

2,500,000

2,696,400

Palmdale, CA, Water District Revenue, Certificates of Participation, 5.0%, 10/1/2034 (a)

2,000,000

2,046,800

Sacramento County, CA, Airport Revenue, AMT, Series A, 5.9%, 7/1/2024 (a)

5,000,000

5,107,600

84,562,327

Colorado 7.0%

Colorado, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, Portercare Adventist Health Project, 6.5%, 11/15/2031

1,000,000

1,136,320

Colorado, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, Poudre Valley Health Facilities:

 

 

Series A, 5.5%, 12/1/2017 (a)

6,145,000

6,545,531

Series A, 6.0%, 12/1/2015 (a)

5,705,000

6,167,619

Series A, 6.0%, 12/1/2016 (a)

2,000,000

2,162,180

Colorado, Single Family Housing Revenue, AMT, Series B2, 7.25%, 10/1/2031

260,000

267,748

Colorado, Transportation/Tolls Revenue, Anticipation Note, Prerefunded, 6.0%, 6/15/2011 (a)

10,000,000

10,889,500

Denver, CO, Airport Revenue, AMT, Series A, 6.0%, 11/15/2014 (a)

5,000,000

5,400,050

32,568,948

District of Columbia 8.1%

District of Columbia, Ballpark Revenue, Series B-1, 5.0%, 2/1/2017 (a)

2,275,000

2,407,678

District of Columbia, Core City General Obligation, Series B, 5.5%, 6/1/2011 (a)

20,000,000

21,523,800

District of Columbia, ETM, Series A, Prerefunded, 5.5%, 6/1/2014 (a)

640,000

676,102

District of Columbia, General Obligation:

 

 

Prerefunded, Series A-2005, 5.25%, 6/1/2027 (a)

2,585,000

2,688,374

Series A-2005, 5.25%, 6/1/2027 (a)

8,245,000

8,504,553

District of Columbia, State General Obligation, Series A, 5.5%, 6/1/2014 (a)

1,860,000

1,958,431

37,758,938

Florida 6.5%

Dade County, FL, Airport Revenue, AMT, Series A, 5.75%, 10/1/2026 (a)

13,000,000

13,329,160

Dade County, FL, Special Assessment Revenue:

 

 

Series B, Prerefunded, Zero Coupon, 10/1/2022 (a)

7,735,000

3,035,755

Series B, Prerefunded, Zero Coupon, 10/1/2024 (a)

16,955,000

5,860,835

Hillsborough County, FL, Industrial Development Revenue, University Community Hospital Project, Series A, 5.625%, 8/15/2023

1,000,000

1,031,350

Miami-Dade County, FL, Transportation/Tolls Revenue, Expressway Authority:

 

 

6.0%, 7/1/2013 (a)

1,665,000

1,817,214

6.0%, 7/1/2014 (a)

1,000,000

1,091,420

Orange County, FL, Health Facilities Authority Revenue, Orlando Regional Healthcare System, 5.75%, 12/1/2032

1,000,000

1,104,590

Palm Beach County, FL, School District Revenue Lease, Series A, Prerefunded, 5.75%, 8/1/2017 (a)

2,850,000

3,095,927

30,366,251

Georgia 0.9%

Atlanta, GA, Water & Wastewater Revenue, Water Utilities Improvements, 5.0%, 11/1/2024 (a)

4,000,000

4,154,320

Hawaii 7.4%

Hawaii, Airport System Revenue, AMT, Series B, 6.5%, 7/1/2013 (a)

8,800,000

9,688,712

Hawaii, Electric Revenue, Department of Budget & Finance, AMT:

 

 

Series D, 6.15%, 1/1/2020 (a)

2,195,000

2,324,747

Series A, 6.2%, 5/1/2026 (a)

13,200,000

13,355,760

Hawaii, Port Authority Revenue, AMT:

 

 

Series A, 6.0%, 7/1/2011 (a)

2,950,000

3,200,455

Series A, 6.0%, 7/1/2012 (a)

3,135,000

3,378,401

Hawaii, State General Obligation, Series CT, Prerefunded, 5.75%, 9/1/2014 (a)

2,310,000

2,475,442

34,423,517

Idaho 0.0%

Idaho, Single Family Housing Revenue, AMT, Series C2, 6.9%, 7/1/2025

165,000

165,216

Illinois 8.9%

Chicago, IL, Airport Revenue, O'Hare International Airport, AMT, 5.5%, 1/1/2014 (a)

10,000,000

10,514,100

Chicago, IL, Core City General Obligation:

 

 

Series A, Prerefunded, 6.0%, 1/1/2014 (a)

2,085,000

2,280,990

Series A, Prerefunded, 6.125%, 1/1/2015 (a)

2,000,000

2,197,400

Series A, 6.125%, 1/1/2016 (a)

2,000,000

2,197,400

Chicago, IL, O'Hare International Airport Revenue, Series A, 5.0%, 1/1/2019 (a)

4,000,000

4,187,480

Chicago, IL, Other General Obligation, Neighborhoods Alive 21 Project:

 

 

Series A, Prerefunded, 6.0%, 1/1/2015 (a)

1,000,000

1,094,000

Series A, 6.0%, 1/1/2017 (a)

1,000,000

1,094,000

Illinois, Development Finance Authority, Hospital Revenue, Adventist Health System, Sunbelt Obligation, 5.5%, 11/15/2020

2,500,000

2,664,600

Illinois, Health Facilities Authority Revenue, Children's Memorial Hospital, Series A, Prerefunded, 5.625%, 8/15/2019 (a)

4,000,000

4,263,560

Illinois, Higher Education Revenue, DePaul University, Educational Facilities Authority:

 

 

Prerefunded, 5.625%, 10/1/2013 (a)

2,695,000

2,920,976

Prerefunded, 5.625%, 10/1/2015 (a)

1,710,000

1,853,384

Illinois, Sales & Special Tax Revenue, Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority:

 

 

Series A, ETM, 5.5%, 6/15/2017 (a)

1,955,000

2,178,730

Series A, 5.5%, 6/15/2017 (a)

1,555,000

1,723,375

Will County, IL, Industrial Development Revenue, Mobil Oil Refining Corp. Project, AMT, 6.0%, 2/1/2027

2,000,000

2,043,880

41,213,875

Indiana 1.2%

Indiana, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, Health Facilities Authority, 5.5%, 11/1/2031

5,000,000

5,443,450

Kansas 0.7%

Overland Park, KS, Industrial Development Revenue, Series A, 7.375%, 1/1/2032

3,000,000

3,283,380

Kentucky 1.4%

Kentucky, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, Economic Development Finance Authority, Norton Healthcare, Inc.:

 

 

Series A, 6.5%, 10/1/2020

2,000,000

2,151,120

Series A, 6.625%, 10/1/2028

4,000,000

4,311,520

6,462,640

Louisiana 0.5%

Louisiana, Electric Revenue, 5.75%, 1/1/2013 (a)

2,000,000

2,185,620

Maine 1.4%

Maine, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, Series D, 5.7%, 7/1/2013 (a)

375,000

375,544

Maine, Transportation/Tolls Revenue, 5.0%, 7/1/2017 (a)

6,165,000

6,351,121

6,726,665

Maryland 0.6%

Maryland, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, University of Maryland Medical System, 6.75%, 7/1/2030

2,500,000

2,805,425

Massachusetts 3.6%

Massachusetts, Airport Revenue, AMT, Series B, 5.5%, 7/1/2009 (a)

8,000,000

8,376,480

Massachusetts, Airport Revenue, U.S. Airways, Inc. Project, AMT, Series A, 5.875%, 9/1/2023 (a)

5,000,000

5,123,200

Massachusetts, Port Authority Revenue, AMT, Series B, 5.5%, 7/1/2015 (a)

3,000,000

3,140,190

16,639,870

Michigan 2.2%

Chippewa County, MI, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, Chippewa County War Memorial, Series B, 5.625%, 11/1/2014

1,500,000

1,516,605

Michigan, Industrial Development Revenue:

 

 

5.5%, 6/1/2018 (a)

3,425,000

3,645,467

5.75%, 6/1/2016 (a)

4,640,000

4,981,365

10,143,437

Minnesota 1.6%

Minneapolis & St. Paul, MN, Airport Revenue, AMT, Series B, 6.0%, 1/1/2012 (a)

4,395,000

4,714,561

Minneapolis & St. Paul, MN, Port Authority Revenue, AMT, Series B, 5.625%, 1/1/2015 (a)

2,500,000

2,622,825

7,337,386

Missouri 0.1%

Missouri, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, Lake of the Ozarks General Hospital, 6.5%, 2/15/2021

365,000

372,775

Nevada 2.4%

Las Vegas, NV, Core City General Obligation, Water & Sewer Revenue, 5.375%, 4/1/2014 (a)

2,705,000

2,894,431

Nevada, State General Obligation, Capital Improvement and Cultural Affairs Project, Series A, 5.5%, 2/1/2014

2,575,000

2,717,037

Washoe County, NV, School District General Obligation, Prerefunded, 5.75%, 6/1/2014 (a)

5,450,000

5,816,404

11,427,872

New Jersey 12.2%

New Jersey, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, Hotel Room Fee Revenue, 5.0%, 1/1/2025 (a)

4,000,000

4,168,480

New Jersey, Economic Development Authority Revenue, Cigarette Tax, 5.75%, 6/15/2034

1,090,000

1,150,560

New Jersey, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, General Hospital Center at Passaic, ETM, 6.75%, 7/1/2019 (a)

5,000,000

6,008,800

New Jersey, Industrial Development Revenue, American Water Co., Inc. Project, AMT, Series A, 6.875%, 11/1/2034 (a)

10,775,000

10,909,364

New Jersey, Industrial Development Revenue, Economic Development Authority, Harrogate, Inc., Series A, 5.875%, 12/1/2026

1,400,000

1,418,326

New Jersey, Resource Recovery Revenue, Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., 5.75%, 6/1/2032

2,280,000

2,365,911

New Jersey, State Agency General Obligation Lease, Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Series A, Prerefunded, 5.75%, 6/15/2017

10,000,000

10,772,900

New Jersey, State Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Transportation System, Series D, 5.0%, 6/15/2019 (a)

5,000,000

5,238,750

New Jersey, Transportation/Tolls Revenue, Economic Development Authority, Series A, Prerefunded, 5.75%, 5/1/2013 (a)

6,000,000

6,344,580

New Jersey, Transportation/Tolls Revenue, Garden State Parkway Project, Prerefunded, 5.6%, 1/1/2017 (a)

8,000,000

8,579,760

56,957,431

New York 15.5%

Nassau County, NY, Hospital & Healthcare, 6.0%, 8/1/2015 (a)

3,390,000

3,686,693

New York, State Agency General Obligation Lease, Higher Education Revenue, Dormitory Authority, Bronx-Lebanon, Hospital Center, Series E, 5.2%, 2/15/2016

1,770,000

1,821,472

New York, State Agency General Obligation Lease, Higher Education Revenue, Dormitory Authority, City University, Series A, 5.625%, 7/1/2016

1,500,000

1,651,365

New York, State Agency General Obligation Lease, Higher Education Revenue, Dormitory Authority, Jamaica Hospital, Series F, 5.2%, 2/15/2016

1,000,000

1,029,080

New York, State General Obligation, Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp.:

 

 

Series A-1, 5.25%, 6/1/2022 (a)

10,000,000

10,572,100

Series A-1, 5.5%, 6/1/2019

7,400,000

7,982,817

New York, Transportation/Tolls Revenue:

 

 

Prerefunded, 5.625%, 4/1/2013 (a)

5,000,000

5,304,900

Prerefunded, 5.75%, 4/1/2014 (a)

2,000,000

2,128,620

New York City, NY, Transitional Finance Authority, Series A-1, 5.0%, 11/1/2016

5,000,000

5,324,300

New York, NY, Core City General Obligation, Series F, 5.25%, 8/1/2015

5,000,000

5,283,700

New York, NY, General Obligation:

 

 

Series D, 5.0%, 11/1/2017 (a)

5,195,000

5,513,401

Series G, 5.0%, 12/1/2023

2,000,000

2,060,720

Series D, 5.0%, 11/1/2024

7,500,000

7,715,025

Series F, 5.25%, 8/1/2015 (a)

4,950,000

5,102,163

Series F, Prerefunded, 5.25%, 8/1/2015 (a)

50,000

51,785

New York, NY, Sales & Special Tax Revenue, Transitional Finance Authority:

 

 

Series B, Prerefunded, 6.125%, 11/15/2014

1,645,000

1,807,279

Series B, 6.125%, 11/15/2014

355,000

390,021

Series B, Prerefunded, 6.125%, 11/15/2015

3,000,000

3,295,950

Niagara Falls, NY, School District General Obligation, 5.6%, 6/15/2014 (a)

1,180,000

1,310,390

72,031,781

North Carolina 1.7%

Charlotte, NC, Airport Revenue, AMT:

 

 

Series B, 5.75%, 7/1/2013 (a)

2,480,000

2,614,019

Series B, 5.875%, 7/1/2014 (a)

1,140,000

1,206,360

North Carolina, Electric Revenue, Municipal Power Agency:

 

 

Series C, 5.375%, 1/1/2017

1,000,000

1,051,370

Series B, 6.375%, 1/1/2013

3,000,000

3,232,920

8,104,669

North Dakota 0.8%

Grand Forks, ND, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, Altru Health Care System, 7.125%, 8/15/2024

3,400,000

3,742,380

Ohio 1.9%

Green Springs, OH, Senior Care Revenue, St. Francis Health Care Center Project, Series A, 7.125%, 5/15/2025

6,000,000

5,311,320

Ohio, Higher Education Revenue, University of Findlay Project:

 

 

6.125%, 9/1/2016

2,000,000

2,020,340

6.15%, 9/1/2011

1,635,000

1,655,307

8,986,967

Oregon 3.3%

Oregon, Other Revenue Lease, Department of Administrative Services:

 

 

Series A, 5.5%, 5/1/2010 (a)

2,245,000

2,305,548

Series A, 5.6%, 5/1/2011 (a)

2,120,000

2,179,084

Oregon, State General Obligation Lease, Department of Administrative Services, Series A, Prerefunded, 6.25%, 5/1/2017 (a)

1,000,000

1,100,120

Oregon, State Revenue Lease, Department of Administrative Services, Series A, Prerefunded, 6.25%, 5/1/2018 (a)

1,000,000

1,100,120

Portland, OR, Special Assessment Revenue, Downtown Waterfront:

 

 

Series A, 5.625%, 6/15/2015 (a)

3,100,000

3,331,725

Series A, 5.75%, 6/15/2018 (a)

2,225,000

2,405,114

Series A, 5.75%, 6/15/2019 (a)

2,820,000

3,048,279

15,469,990

Pennsylvania 2.2%

Pennsylvania, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, Economic Development Financing Authority, UPMC Health System, Series A, 6.0%, 1/15/2031

2,570,000

2,784,158

Philadelphia, PA, Gas Works Revenue, Series A-1, 5.0%, 9/1/2029 (a)

5,000,000

5,120,150

Philadelphia, PA, Municipal Authority Revenue, Series B, 5.25%, 11/15/2018 (a)

2,500,000

2,631,325

10,535,633

Rhode Island 0.9%

Rhode Island, Special Assessment Revenue, Series A, 6.125%, 6/1/2032

4,000,000

4,212,800

South Carolina 2.7%

Greenwood County, SC, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, South Carolina Memorial Hospital, 5.5%, 10/1/2031

1,500,000

1,554,855

South Carolina, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, Jobs Economic Development Authority, Palmetto Health Alliance, Series A, Prerefunded, 7.375%, 12/15/2021

2,000,000

2,328,920

South Carolina, Jobs Economic Development Authority, Hospital Facilities Revenue, Palmetto Health:

 

 

Series C, Prerefunded, 7.0%, 8/1/2030

4,825,000

5,703,053

Series C, 7.0%, 8/1/2030

595,000

686,196

South Carolina, Tobacco Settlement Revenue Management Authority, Series B, 6.0%, 5/15/2022

2,000,000

2,098,200

12,371,224

Tennessee 2.8%

Memphis-Shelby County, TN, Airport Revenue, AMT, Series D, 6.25%, 3/1/2017 (a)

4,690,000

5,057,602

Shelby County, TN, Health Educational & Housing Facility Board, Hospital Revenue, Methodist Health Care:

 

 

EMT, 6.5%, 9/1/2026

2,615,000

2,996,189

Prerefunded, 6.5%, 9/1/2026

4,385,000

5,024,201

13,077,992

Texas 17.5%

Austin, TX, Sales & Special Tax Revenue, Hotel Occupancy Tax:

 

 

6.0%, 11/15/2013 (a)

3,190,000

3,424,274

6.0%, 11/15/2015 (a)

3,480,000

3,735,571

6.0%, 11/15/2016 (a)

3,625,000

3,891,220

Brazos River, TX, Pollution Control Revenue, Brazos River Authority, Texas Utilities Electric Co. Project, AMT, Series C, 5.75%*, 5/1/2036

3,965,000

4,199,173

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, Airport Revenue, International Airport, AMT, Series A, 5.875%, 11/1/2016 (a)

6,500,000

7,004,400

El Paso, TX, State General Obligation:

 

 

5.875%, 8/15/2012 (a)

1,000,000

1,026,480

5.875%, 8/15/2013 (a)

1,570,000

1,611,574

5.875%, 8/15/2014 (a)

1,665,000

1,709,089

Granbury, TX, Independent School District, 5.0%, 8/1/2024

3,365,000

3,501,585

Harris County, TX, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, Health Facilities Development Corp., Memorial Hermann Healthcare Systems, Series A, 6.375%, 6/1/2029

5,500,000

6,165,775

Houston, TX, Airport Revenue, People Mover Project, AMT, Series A, 5.5%, 7/15/2017 (a)

3,300,000

3,346,200

Houston, TX, Port Authority Revenue, Airport Revenue, AMT, Series A, 5.875%, 7/1/2014 (a)

3,960,000

4,212,490

Red River, TX, School District Revenue Lease, St. Mark's School Project, 6.0%, 8/15/2019

5,390,000

5,743,153

Socorro, TX, Independent School District, 5.0%, 8/15/2025

5,135,000

5,324,481

Tarrant County, TX, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, Health Facilities Development Corp., 6.7%, 11/15/2030

4,500,000

5,060,340

Texas, Industrial Development Revenue, Waste Disposal Authority, AMT, Series A, 6.1%, 8/1/2024

2,000,000

2,143,260

Texas, State General Obligation, College Student Loans, AMT, 5.0%, 8/1/2021

4,015,000

4,016,084

Texas, State Turnpike Authority, Dallas Northway Revenue, 5.5%, 1/1/2015 (a)

14,605,000

15,250,833

81,365,982

Utah 0.5%

Utah, State General Obligation, Series A, 5.0%, 7/1/2016

2,405,000

2,589,415

Washington 5.9%

Seattle, WA, Airport Revenue, AMT, Series B, 6.0%, 2/1/2013 (a)

7,355,000

8,117,346

Seattle, WA, Special Assessment Revenue, AMT:

 

 

Series B, 5.5%, 9/1/2011 (a)

1,085,000

1,149,579

Series B, 5.75%, 9/1/2013 (a)

1,045,000

1,108,400

Skagit County, WA, School District General Obligation, School District No. 1, Burlington Edison, 5.625%, 12/1/2014 (a)

1,570,000

1,695,066

Snohomish County, WA, Electric Revenue, Public Utility District No. 1, 5.375%, 12/1/2024 (a)

3,000,000

3,191,460

Washington, Electric Revenue, Energy Northwest Columbia Generating, Series B, 6.0%, 7/1/2018 (a)

3,000,000

3,325,290

Washington, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, Group Health Coop of Puget Sound, 5.375%, 12/1/2017 (a)

1,500,000

1,587,240

Washington, State General Obligation:

 

 

Series A, 5.5%, 7/1/2013

2,000,000

2,105,420

Series A, 5.5%, 7/1/2016

4,835,000

5,089,853

27,369,654

West Virginia 4.5%

West Virginia, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, Hospital Finance Authority, Charleston Medical Center:

 

 

Series A, 6.75%, 9/1/2022

2,355,000

2,559,273

6.75%, 9/1/2030

395,000

426,932

West Virginia, Hospital Finance Authority, Charleston Medical Center:

 

 

Prerefunded, 6.75%, 9/1/2022

9,645,000

10,844,741

Prerefunded, 6.75%, 9/1/2030

3,605,000

4,053,426

West Virginia, Water & Sewer Revenue, Water Development Authority, Series B, 5.25%, 11/1/2023 (a)

2,740,000

2,938,677

20,823,049

Wisconsin 2.3%

Badge, WI, Tobacco Asset Securitization Corp., 6.125%, 6/1/2027

4,230,000

4,470,687

Wisconsin, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, Health & Education Facilities Authority, Aurora Health Care, Inc., Series A, 5.6%, 2/15/2029

6,000,000

6,214,739

10,685,426

 

% of Net Assets

Value ($)

 

 

Total Investment Portfolio (Cost $672,969,611)+

154.4

718,581,354

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net

2.5

11,692,616

Preferred Shares, at Redemption Value

(56.9)

(265,000,000)

Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders

100.0

465,273,970

* Variable rate demand notes are securities whose interest rates are reset periodically at market levels. These securities are often payable on demand and are shown at their current rates as of May 31, 2006.

+ The cost for federal income tax purposes was $672,642,040. At May 31, 2006, net unrealized appreciation for all securities based on tax cost was $45,939,314. This consisted of aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all securities in which there was an excess of value over tax cost of $46,851,480 and aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities in which there was an excess of tax cost over value of $912,166.

(a) Bond is insured by one of these companies:

Insurance Coverage

As a % of Total Investment Portfolio

Ambac Financial Group

16.4

Financial Guaranty Insurance Company

11.8

Financial Security Assurance, Inc.

17.4

MBIA Corp.

13.7

AMT: Subject to alternative minimum tax.

ETM: Bonds bearing the description ETM (escrow to maturity) are collateralized by US Treasury securities which are held in escrow and used to pay principal and interest on bonds so designated.

Prerefunded: Bonds which are prerefunded are collateralized by US Treasury securities which are held in escrow and are used to pay principal and interest on tax-exempt issues and to retire the bonds in full at the earliest refunding date.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

Financial Statements

Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of May 31, 2006 (Unaudited)

Assets

Investments in securities, at value (cost $672,969,611)

$ 718,581,354

Cash

65,054

Receivable for investments sold

360,428

Interest receivable

12,315,219

Other assets

8,179

Total assets

731,330,234

Liabilities

Distributions payable

268,344

Accrued management fee

326,240

Other accrued expenses and payables

461,680

Total liabilities

1,056,264

Remarketed preferred shares, at redemption value

265,000,000

Net assets applicable to common shareholders

$ 465,273,970

Net Assets

Net assets applicable to common shareholders consist of:

Distributions in excess of net investment income

(1,437,557)

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

45,611,743

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

(6,968,628)

Paid-in capital

428,068,412

Net assets applicable to common shareholders

$ 465,273,970

Net Asset Value

Net Asset Value per common share ($465,273,970 ÷ 38,973,231 outstanding shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized)

$ 11.94

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

Statement of Operations for the six months ended May 31, 2006 (Unaudited)

Investment Income

Income:

Interest

$ 19,298,361

Expenses:

Management fee

2,015,612

Services to shareholders

32,078

Custodian fees

21,868

Auditing

27,954

Legal

12,435

Trustees' fees and expenses

19,163

Reports to shareholders

23,863

Remarketing Agent Fee

330,343

Stock exchange listing fees

11,044

Other

68,807

Total expenses before expense reductions

2,563,167

Expense reductions

(16,843)

Total expenses after expense reductions

2,546,324

Net investment income

16,752,037

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment Transactions

Net realized gain (loss) from investments

(1,263,986)

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) during the period on investments

(5,097,744)

Net gain (loss) on investment transactions

(6,361,730)

Dividends on remarketed preferred shares

(4,352,768)

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

$ 6,037,539

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

Six Months Ended May 31, 2006 (Unaudited)

Year Ended November 30, 2005

Operations:

Net investment income

$ 16,752,037

$ 33,783,295

Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions

(1,263,986)

1,509,984

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) during the period on investment transactions

(5,097,744)

(8,263,600)

Dividends on remarketed preferred shares

(4,352,768)

(6,445,486)

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

6,037,539

20,584,193

Distributions to common shareholders from:

Net investment income

(13,769,762)

(31,467,994)

Fund share transactions:

Net proceeds from shares issued to common shareholders in reinvestment of distributions

655,914

1,067,843

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from Fund share transactions

655,914

1,067,843

Increase (decrease) in net assets

(7,076,309)

(9,815,958)

Net assets at beginning of period

472,350,279

482,166,237

Net assets at end of period (including distributions in excess of net investment income of $1,437,557 and $67,064, respectively)

$ 465,273,970

$ 472,350,279

Other Information

Common shares outstanding at beginning of period

38,919,429

38,832,628

Shares issued to common shareholders in reinvestment of distributions

53,802

86,801

Common shares outstanding at end of period

38,973,231

38,919,429

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

Financial Highlights

Years Ended November 30,

2006a

2005

2004

2003

2002b

2001c

Selected Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

$ 12.14

$ 12.42

$ 12.59

$ 12.18

$ 11.87

$ 11.30

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment incomed

.43

.87

.89

.92

.91

.91

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

(.17)

(.17)

(.16)

.36

.22

.59

Dividends on remarketed preferred shares (common share equivalent):

From net investment income

(.11)

(.17)

(.09)

(.07)

(.10)

(.21)

Total from investment operations

.15

.53

.64

1.21

1.03

1.29

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

(.35)

(.81)

(.81)

(.79)

(.72)

(.72)

Net realized gain on investment transactions to common shareholders

(.01)

Total distributions to common shareholders

(.35)

(.81)

(.81)

(.80)

(.72)

(.72)

Net asset value, end of period

$ 11.94

$ 12.14

$ 12.42

$ 12.59

$ 12.18

$ 11.87

Market value, end of period

$ 10.68

$ 12.40

$ 12.03

$ 11.96

$ 11.06

$ 11.37

Total Return

Based on net asset value (%)e

1.36**

4.45

5.50

10.53

9.36

11.93

Based on market value (%)e

(11.24)**

10.15

7.57

15.63

3.76

18.10

Years Ended November 30, (continued)

2006a

2005

2004

2003

2002b

2001c

Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period ($ millions)

465

472

482

489

473

461

Ratio of expenses (%) (based on net assets of common shares)

1.09*

1.10

1.06

1.05

1.07

1.09

Ratio of expenses (%) (based on net assets of common and remarketed preferred shares)

.69*

.71

.68

.68

.69

.69

Ratio of net investment income (%) (based on net assets of common shares)

7.15*

7.00

7.15

7.35

7.51

7.72

Ratio of net investment income (%) (based on net assets of common and remarketed preferred shares)

4.57*

4.52

4.62

4.75

4.80

4.90

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

31*

16

25

7

7

10

Remarketed preferred shares information at end of period:

Aggregate amount outstanding ($ millions)

265

265

265

265

265

265

Asset coverage per share ($)f

13,779

13,912

14,097

14,225

13,900

13,700

Liquidation and market value per share ($)

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

a For the six months ended May 31, 2006 (Unaudited).

b As required, effective December 1, 2001, the Fund has adopted the provisions of the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies and began accreting market discount on debt securities. The effect of this change for the year ended November 30, 2002 was to increase net investment income by an amount less than $.005 and decrease net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share by an amount less than $.005. Per share data and ratios for periods prior to December 1, 2001 have not been restated to reflect this change in presentation.

c In 2001 the Fund changed its method of classifying remarketed preferred shares.

d Based on average common shares outstanding during the period.

e Total return based on net asset value reflects changes in the Fund's net asset value during each period. Total return based on market value reflects changes in market value. Each figure assumes that dividend and capital gains distributions, if any, were reinvested. These figures will differ depending upon the level of any discount from or premium to net asset value at which the Fund's shares traded during the period.

f Asset coverage per share equals net assets of common shares plus the redemption value of the remarketed preferred shares divided by the total number of remarketed preferred shares outstanding at the end of the period.

* Annualized

** Not annualized

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

A. Significant Accounting Policies

DWS Municipal Income Trust (formerly Scudder Municipal Income Trust) (the ``Fund'') is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the ``1940 Act''), as a closed-end, diversified management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust.

The Fund's financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America which require the use of management estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The policies described below are followed consistently by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.

Security Valuation. Investments are stated at value determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on each day the exchange is open for trading. Debt securities are valued by independent pricing services approved by the Trustees of the Fund, whose valuations are intended to reflect the mean between the bid and asked prices. If the pricing services are unable to provide valuations, the securities are valued at the average of the means based on the most recent bid quotation and asked or evaluated price obtained from a broker-dealer. Such services may use various pricing techniques which take into account appropriate factors such as yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics and other data, as well as broker quotes.

Money market instruments purchased with an original or remaining maturity of sixty days or less, maturing at par, are valued at amortized cost.

Securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available or for which the above valuation procedures are deemed not to reflect fair value are valued in a manner that is intended to reflect their fair value as determined in accordance with procedures approved by the Trustees.

Federal Income Taxes. The Fund's policy is to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, which are applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute all of its taxable and tax-exempt income to its shareholders. Accordingly, the Fund paid no federal income taxes and no federal income tax provision was required.

At November 30, 2005, the Fund had a net tax basis capital loss carryforward of approximately $5,746,000 which may be applied against any realized net taxable capital gains of each succeeding year until fully utilized or until November 30, 2007 ($821,000), November 30, 2008 ($3,602,000) and November 30, 2011 ($1,323,000), the respective expiration dates, whichever occurs first.

Distribution of Income and Gains. Net investment income of the Fund is declared and distributed to shareholders monthly. Net realized gains from investment transactions, in excess of available capital loss carryforwards, would be taxable to the Fund if not distributed, and, therefore, will be distributed to shareholders at least annually.

The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined annually in accordance with federal tax regulations, which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These differences primarily relate to certain securities sold at a loss and accretion of market discount on debt securities. As a result, net investment income (loss) and net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions for a reporting period may differ significantly from distributions during such period. Accordingly, the Fund may periodically make reclassifications among certain of its capital accounts without impacting the net asset value of the Fund.

The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.

Remarketed Preferred Shares. The Fund has issued and outstanding 10,800 Series A, 10,700 Series B, 10,800 Series C, 10,700 Series D and 10,000 Series E remarketed preferred shares, each at a liquidation value of $5,000 per share. The preferred shares are senior to and have certain class specific preferences over the common shares. The dividend rate on each series is set by the remarketing agent, and the dividends are generally paid every 28 days. The remarketing agent will pay each broker-dealer a service charge from funds provided by the Fund (remarketing agent fee). The 1940 Act requires that the preferred shareholders of the Fund, voting as a separate class, have the right to: a) elect at least two trustees at all times, and b) elect a majority of the trustees at any time when dividends on the preferred shares are unpaid for two full years. Unless otherwise required by law or under the terms of the preferred shares designation statement, each preferred share is entitled to one vote and preferred shareholders will vote together with common shareholders as a single class and have the same voting rights.

Contingencies. In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Fund's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet been made. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.

Other. Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade date plus one basis for daily net asset value calculations. However, for financial reporting purposes, investment transactions are reported on trade date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are recorded on an identified cost basis. All premiums and discounts are amortized/accreted for financial reporting purposes, with the exception of securities in default of principal.

B. Purchases and Sales of Securities

During the six months ended May 31, 2006, purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) aggregated $112,327,759 and $113,264,124, respectively.

C. Related Parties

Management Agreement. Under the Management Agreement with Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. ("DeIM" or the "Advisor"), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Bank AG, the Advisor directs the investments of the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives, policies and restrictions. The Advisor determines the securities, instruments and other contracts relating to investments to be purchased, sold or entered into by the Fund. In addition to portfolio management services, the Advisor provides certain administrative services in accordance with the Management Agreement. The Fund pays a monthly investment management fee of 1/12 of the annual rate of 0.55% of the Fund's average weekly net assets, of common shares plus the value of remarketed preferred shares, at redemption value, computed and accrued daily and payable monthly.

Service Provider Fees. State Street Bank and Trust Company is the named transfer agent. However, pursuant to a sub-transfer agency agreement between State Street Bank and Trust Company and DWS Scudder Investments Service Company ("DWS-SISC"), an affiliate of the Advisor, DWS-SISC is the transfer agent, dividend-paying agent and shareholder service agent for the Fund. Pursuant to a sub-transfer agency agreement between DWS-SISC and DST Systems, Inc. ("DST"), DWS-SISC has delegated certain transfer agent and dividend paying agent functions to DST. DWS-SISC compensates DST out of the shareholder servicing fee it receives from the Fund. For the six months ended May 31, 2006, the amount charged to the Fund by DWS-SISC aggregated $14,623, of which $5,099 is unpaid.

Typesetting and Filing Service Fees. Under an agreement with DeIM, the Advisor is compensated for providing typesetting and certain regulatory filing services to the Fund. For the six months ended May 31, 2006, the amount charged to the Fund by DeIM included in the reports to shareholders aggregated $6,816, all of which is unpaid.

Trustees' Fees and Expenses. The Fund paid each Trustee not affiliated with the Advisor retainer fees.

Other Related Parties. Deutsche Bank Trust Co. Americas, an affiliate of the Advisor, is the transfer agent for the remarketed preferred shares of the Fund. For the six months ended May 31, 2006, the amount charged to the Fund by Deutsche Bank Trust Co. Americas aggregated $15,457, all of which has been paid.

D. Expense Reductions

The Fund has entered into an arrangement with its custodian and transfer agent whereby credits realized as a result of uninvested cash balances are used to reduce a portion of the Fund's custodian and transfer agent expenses. During the six months ended May 31, 2006, the Fund's custodian and transfer agent fees were reduced by $412 and $16,431, respectively, for custodian and transfer agent credits earned.

E. Line of Credit

The Fund and several other affiliated funds (the ``Participants'') share in a $750 million revolving credit facility administered by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. for temporary or emergency purposes. The Participants are charged an annual commitment fee which is allocated, based upon net assets, among each of the Participants. Interest is calculated at the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5 percent. The Fund may borrow up to a maximum of 33 percent of its net assets under the agreement.

F. Regulatory Matters and Litigation

Market Timing Related Regulatory and Litigation Matters. Since at least July 2003, federal, state and industry regulators have been conducting ongoing inquiries and investigations ("inquiries") into the mutual fund industry, and have requested information from numerous mutual fund companies, including DWS Scudder. The DWS funds' advisors have been cooperating in connection with these inquiries and are in discussions with the regulators concerning proposed settlements. Publicity about mutual fund practices arising from these industry-wide inquiries serves as the general basis of a number of private lawsuits against the DWS funds. These lawsuits, which previously have been reported in the press, involve purported class action and derivative lawsuits, making various allegations and naming as defendants various persons, including certain DWS funds, the funds' investment advisors and their affiliates, and certain individuals, including in some cases fund Trustees/Directors, officers, and other parties. Each DWS fund's investment advisor has agreed to indemnify the applicable DWS funds in connection with these lawsuits, or other lawsuits or regulatory actions that may be filed making allegations similar to these lawsuits regarding market timing, revenue sharing, fund valuation or other subjects arising from or related to the pending inquiries. It is not possible to determine with certainty what the outcome of these inquiries will be or what the effect, if any, would be on the funds or their advisors.

With respect to the lawsuits, based on currently available information, the funds' investment advisors believe the likelihood that the pending lawsuits will have a material adverse financial impact on a DWS fund is remote and such actions are not likely to materially affect their ability to perform under their investment management agreements with the DWS funds.

With respect to the regulatory matters, Deutsche Asset Management ("DeAM") has advised the funds as follows:

DeAM expects to reach final agreements with regulators in 2006 regarding allegations of improper trading in the DWS funds. DeAM expects that it will reach settlement agreements with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the New York Attorney General and the Illinois Secretary of State providing for payment of disgorgement, penalties, and investor education contributions totaling approximately $134 million. Approximately $127 million of this amount would be distributed to shareholders of the affected DWS funds in accordance with a distribution plan to be developed by an independent distribution consultant. DeAM does not believe that any of the DWS funds will be named as respondents or defendants in any proceedings. The funds' investment advisors do not believe these amounts will have a material adverse financial impact on them or materially affect their ability to perform under their investment management agreements with the DWS funds. The above-described amounts are not material to Deutsche Bank, and they have already been reserved.

Based on the settlement discussions thus far, DeAM believes that it will be able to reach a settlement with the regulators on a basis that is generally consistent with settlements reached by other advisors, taking into account the particular facts and circumstances of market timing at DeAM and at the legacy Scudder and Kemper organizations prior to their acquisition by DeAM in April 2002. Among the terms of the expected settled orders, DeAM would be subject to certain undertakings regarding the conduct of its business in the future, including maintaining existing management fee reductions for certain funds for a period of five years. DeAM expects that these settlements would resolve regulatory allegations that it violated certain provisions of federal and state securities laws (i) by entering into trading arrangements that permitted certain investors to engage in market timing in certain DWS funds and (ii) by failing more generally to take adequate measures to prevent market timing in the DWS funds, primarily during the 1999-2001 period. With respect to the trading arrangements, DeAM expects that the settlement documents will include allegations related to one legacy DeAM arrangement, as well as three legacy Scudder and six legacy Kemper arrangements. All of these trading arrangements originated in businesses that existed prior to the current DeAM organization, which came together in April 2002 as a result of the various mergers of the legacy Scudder, Kemper and Deutsche fund groups, and all of the arrangements were terminated prior to the start of the regulatory investigations that began in the summer of 2003. No current DeAM employee approved the trading arrangements.

There is no certainty that the final settlement documents will contain the foregoing terms and conditions. The independent Trustees/Directors of the DWS funds have carefully monitored these regulatory investigations with the assistance of independent legal counsel and independent economic consultants.

Other Regulatory Matters. DeAM is also engaged in settlement discussions with the Enforcement Staffs of the SEC and the NASD regarding DeAM's practices during 2001-2003 with respect to directing brokerage commissions for portfolio transactions by certain DWS funds to broker-dealers that sold shares in the DWS funds and provided enhanced marketing and distribution for shares in the DWS funds. In addition, DWS Scudder Distributors, Inc. is in settlement discussions with the Enforcement Staff of the NASD regarding DWS Scudder Distributors' payment of non-cash compensation to associated persons of NASD member firms, as well as DWS Scudder Distributors' procedures regarding non-cash compensation regarding entertainment provided to such associated persons.

Other Information

Additional information announced by Deutsche Asset Management regarding the terms of the expected settlements referred to in the Market Timing Related Regulatory and Litigation Matters and Other Regulatory Matters in the Notes to Financial Statements will be made available at www.dws-scudder.com/regulatory_settlements, which will also disclose the terms of any final settlement agreements once they are announced.

Shareholder Meeting Results

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of DWS Municipal Income Trust (the "fund") was held on May 25, 2006. The following matter was voted upon by the shareholders of said fund (the resulting votes are presented below).

I. To elect nine individuals to constitute the Board of Trustees of the fund.

 

Number of Votes:

 

For

Withheld

John W. Ballantine

30,620,871

954,531

Donald L. Dunaway

30,564,080

1,011,321

James R. Edgar

30,587,117

988,285

Paul K. Freeman

30,623,028

952,373

Robert B. Hoffman

30,581,855

993,547

William McClayton

30,622,573

952,829

Shirley D. Peterson

30,593,608

981,794

Axel Schwarzer*

44,434

0

Robert H. Wadsworth*

44,434

0

* Elected by preferred shareholders.

Dividend Repurchase Plan

A. Participation

We invite you to review the description of the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the ``Plan'') that is available to you as a shareholder of DWS Municipal Income Trust (the ``Fund''). If you wish to participate and your shares are held in your own name, simply contact DWS Scudder Investments Service Company, whose address and phone number are provided in Paragraph E, for the appropriate form. If your shares are held in the name of a brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee, you must instruct that nominee to re-register your shares in your name so that you may participate in the Plan, unless your nominee has made the Plan available on shares held by them. Shareholders who so elect will be deemed to have appointed UMB Bank, N.A. ("United Missouri Bank" or "UMB") as their agent and as agent for the Fund under the Plan.

B. Dividend Investment Account

The Fund's transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent or its delegate (the ``Transfer Agent'') will establish a Dividend Investment Account (the ``Account'') for each shareholder participating in the Plan. The Transfer Agent will credit to the Account of each participant funds it receives from the following sources: (a) cash dividends and capital gains distributions paid on shares of beneficial interest (the ``Shares'') of the Fund registered in the participant's name on the books of the Fund; and (b) cash dividends and capital gains distributions paid on Shares registered in the name of the Transfer Agent but credited to the participant's Account. Sources described in clauses (a) and (b) of the preceding sentence are hereinafter called ``Distributions.''

C. Investment of Distribution Funds Held in Each Account

If on the record date for a Distribution (the ``Record Date''), Shares are trading at a discount from net asset value per Share (according to the evaluation most recently made on Shares of the Fund), funds credited to a participant's Account will be used to purchase Shares (the ``Purchase''). UMB will attempt, commencing five days prior to the Payment Date and ending at the close of business on the Payment Date (``Payment Date'' as used herein shall mean the last business day of the month in which such Record Date occurs), to acquire Shares in the open market. If and to the extent that UMB is unable to acquire sufficient Shares to satisfy the Distribution by the close of business on the Payment Date, the Fund will issue to UMB Shares valued at net asset value per Share (according to the evaluation most recently made on Shares of the Fund) in the aggregate amount of the remaining value of the Distribution. If, on the Record Date, Shares are trading at a premium over net asset value per Share, the Fund will issue on the Payment Date, Shares valued at net asset value per Share on the Record Date to the Transfer Agent in the aggregate amount of the funds credited to the participants' accounts.

D. Voluntary Cash Contributions

A participant may from time to time make voluntary cash contributions to his Account by sending to Transfer Agent a check or money order, payable to Transfer Agent, in a minimum amount of $100 with appropriate accompanying instructions. (No more than $500 may be contributed per month.) Transfer Agent will inform UMB of the total funds available for the purchase of Shares and UMB will use the funds to purchase additional Shares for the participant's Account the earlier of: (a) when it next purchases Shares as a result of a Distribution or (b) on or shortly after the first day of each month and in no event more than 30 days after such date except when temporary curtailment or suspension of purchases is necessary to comply with applicable provisions of federal securities laws. Cash contributions received more than fifteen calendar days or less than five calendar days prior to a Payment Date will be returned uninvested. Interest will not be paid on any uninvested cash contributions. Participants making voluntary cash investments will be charged a $.75 service fee for each such investment and will be responsible for their pro rata share of brokerage commissions.

E. Additional Information

Address all notices, correspondence, questions, or other communication regarding the Plan, or if you would like a copy of the Plan, to:

DWS Scudder Investments Service Company
P.O. Box 219066
Kansas City, Missouri 64121-9066
1-800-294-4366

F. Adjustment of Purchase Price

The Fund will increase the price at which Shares may be issued under the Plan to 95% of the fair market value of the shares on the Record Date if the net asset value per Share of the Shares on the Record Date is less than 95% of the fair market value of the Shares on the Record Date.

G. Determination of Purchase Price

The cost of Shares and fractional Shares acquired for each participant's Account in connection with a Purchase shall be determined by the average cost per Share, including brokerage commissions as described in Paragraph H hereof, of the Shares acquired by UMB in connection with that Purchase. Shareholders will receive a confirmation showing the average cost and number of Shares acquired as soon as practicable after the Transfer Agent has received or UMB has purchased Shares. The Transfer Agent may mingle the cash in a participant's account with similar funds of other participants of the Fund for whom UMB acts as agent under the Plan.

H. Brokerage Charges

There will be no brokerage charges with respect to Shares issued directly by the Fund as a result of Distributions. However, each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to UMB's open market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of Distributions. Brokerage charges for purchasing small amounts of Shares for individual Accounts through the Plan can be expected to be less than the usual brokerage charges for such transactions, as UMB will be purchasing Shares for all participants in blocks and prorating the lower commission thus attainable.

I. Service Charges

There is no service charge by the Transfer Agent or UMB to shareholders who participate in the Plan other than service charges specified in Paragraphs D and M hereof. However, the Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan in the future to include a service charge.

J. Transfer of Shares Held by Agent

The Transfer Agent will maintain the participant's Account, hold the additional Shares acquired through the Plan in safekeeping and furnish the participant with written confirmation of all transactions in the Account. Shares in the Account are transferable upon proper written instructions to the Transfer Agent. Upon request to the Transfer Agent, a certificate for any or all full Shares in a participant's Account will be sent to the participant.

K. Shares Not Held in Shareholder's Name

Beneficial owners of Shares which are held in the name of a broker or nominee will not be automatically included in the Plan and will receive all distributions in cash. Such shareholders should contact the broker or nominee in whose name their Shares are held to determine whether and how they may participate in the Plan.

L. Amendments

Experience under the Plan may indicate that changes are desirable. Accordingly, the Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan, including provisions with respect to any Distribution paid, subsequent to notice thereof sent to participants in the Plan at least ninety days before the record date for such Distribution, except when such amendment is necessary or appropriate to comply with applicable law or the rules or policies of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other regulatory authority, in which case such amendment shall be effective as soon as practicable. The amendment shall be deemed to be accepted by each participant unless, prior to the effective date thereof, the Transfer Agent receives notice of the termination of such participant's account under the Plan in accordance with the terms hereof. The Plan may be terminated by the Fund.

M. Withdrawal from Plan

Shareholders may withdraw from the Plan at any time by giving the Transfer Agent a written notice. If the proceeds are $100,000 or less and the proceeds are to be payable to the shareholder of record and mailed to the address of record, a signature guarantee normally will not be required for notices by individual account owners (including joint account owners), otherwise a signature guarantee will be required. In addition, if the certificate is to be sent to anyone other than the registered owner(s) at the address of record, a signature guarantee will be required on the notice. A notice of withdrawal will be effective for the next Distribution following receipt of the notice by the Transfer Agent provided the notice is received by the Transfer Agent at least ten days prior to the Record Date for the Distribution. When a participant withdraws from the Plan, or when the Plan is terminated in accordance with Paragraph L hereof, the participant will receive a certificate for full Shares in the Account, plus a check for any fractional Shares based on market price; or if a Participant so desires, the Transfer Agent will notify UMB to sell his Shares in the Plan and send the proceeds to the participant, less brokerage commissions and a $2.50 service fee.

N. Tax Implications

Shareholders will receive tax information annually for personal records and to assist in preparation of their Federal income tax returns. If Shares are purchased at a discount, the amount of the discount is considered taxable income and is added to the cost basis of the purchased shares.

Additional Information

 

Automated Information Lines

Scudder Closed-End Fund Info Line

(800) 349-4281

Web Sites

www.dws-scudder.com

or visit our Direct Link:

www.cef.dws-scudder.com

Obtain monthly fact sheets, financial reports, press releases and webcasts when available.

Written Correspondence

Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc.

222 South Riverside Plaza

Chicago, IL 60606

Proxy Voting

A description of the fund's policies and procedures for voting proxies for portfolio securities and information about how the fund voted proxies related to its portfolio securities during the 12-month period ended June 30 is available on our Web site — www.dws-scudder.com (click on "proxy voting"at the bottom of the page) — or on the SEC's Web site — www.sec.gov. To obtain a written copy of the fund's policies and procedures without charge, upon request, call us toll free at 1-800-621-1048.

Legal Counsel

Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz, P.C.

222 North LaSalle Street

Chicago, IL 60601

Dividend Reinvestment Plan Agent

UMB Bank

P.O. Box 410064

Kansas City, MO 64141-0064

Shareholder Service Agent

DWS Scudder Investments Service Company

P.O. Box 219066

Kansas City, MO 64121-9066

(800) 294-4366

Custodian and Transfer Agent

State Street Bank and Trust Company

225 Franklin Street

Boston, MA 02110

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Ernst & Young LLP

200 Clarendon Street

Boston, MA 02116

NYSE Symbol

KTF

CUSIP Numbers

Common Shares

23338M 106

 

Series A (Preferred Shares)

23338M 205

 

Series B (Preferred Shares)

23338M 304

 

Series C (Preferred Shares)

23338M 403

 

Series D (Preferred Shares)

23338M 502

 

Series E (Preferred Shares)

23338M 601

Privacy Statement

This privacy statement is issued by DWS Scudder Distributors, Inc., Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc., Deutsche Asset Management, Inc., Investment Company Capital Corporation, DeAM Investor Services, Inc., DWS Trust Company and the DWS Funds.

We never sell customer lists or individual client information. We consider privacy fundamental to our client relationships and adhere to the policies and practices described below to protect current and former clients' information. Internal policies are in place to protect confidentiality, while allowing client needs to be served. Only individuals who need to do so in carrying out their job responsibilities may access client information. We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal and state standards to protect confidentiality. These safeguards extend to all forms of interaction with us, including the Internet.

In the normal course of business, clients give us nonpublic personal information on applications and other forms, on our websites, and through transactions with us or our affiliates. Examples of the nonpublic personal information collected are name, address, Social Security number and transaction and balance information. To be able to serve our clients, certain of this client information is shared with affiliated and nonaffiliated third party service providers such as transfer agents, custodians, and broker-dealers to assist us in processing transactions and servicing your account with us. In addition, we may disclose all of the information we collect to companies that perform marketing services on our behalf or to other financial institutions with which we have joint marketing agreements. The organizations described above that receive client information may only use it for the purpose designated by the companies listed above.

We may also disclose nonpublic personal information about you to other parties as required or permitted by law. For example, we are required or we may provide information to government entities or regulatory bodies in response to requests for information or subpoenas, to private litigants in certain circumstances, to law enforcement authorities, or any time we believe it necessary to protect the firm.

Questions on this policy may be sent to:

DWS Scudder
Attention: Correspondence — Chicago
P.O. Box 219415
Kansas City, MO 64121-9415

February 2006

Notes

Notes

mit_backcover0

 

 

ITEM 2.

CODE OF ETHICS.

 

 

Not applicable.

 

 

ITEM 3.

AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

 

 

Not applicable.

 

 

ITEM 4.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

 

 

Not applicable.

 

 

ITEM 5.

AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS

 

 

Not Applicable

 

 

ITEM 6.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

 

 

Not Applicable

 

ITEM 7.

DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

 

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 8.

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

 

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 9.

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

 

 

Not Applicable.

 

 

ITEM 10.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

 

The primary function of the Nominating and Governance Committee is to identify and recommend individuals for membership on the Board and oversee the administration of the Board Governance Procedures and Guidelines. Shareholders may recommend candidates for Board positions by forwarding their correspondence by U.S. mail or courier service to the Fund's Secretary for the attention of the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee, Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110. Suggestions for candidates must include a resume of the candidate.

 

 

ITEM 11.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

(a)

The Chief Executive and Financial Officers concluded that the Registrant's Disclosure Controls and Procedures are effective based on the evaluation of the Disclosure Controls and Procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report.

 

(b)

There have been no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's last half-year (the registrant's second fiscal half-year in the case of the annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting.

 

 

ITEM 12.

EXHIBITS.

 

 



 

 

(a)(1)

Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) is filed and attached hereto as Exhibit 99.CERT.

 

(b)

Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)) is furnished and attached hereto as Exhibit 99.906CERT.

 

 

 

 

 

Form N-CSRS Item F

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Registrant:

DWS Municipal Income Trust

 

 

By:

/s/Michael G. Clark

 

Michael G. Clark

 

President

 

Date:

July 28, 2006

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Registrant:

DWS Municipal Income Trust

 

 

By:

/s/Michael G. Clark

 

Michael G. Clark

 

President

 

Date:

July 28, 2006

 

 

 

By:

/s/Paul Schubert

 

Paul Schubert

 

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

Date:

July 28, 2006