November 01, 2017

All of these require giving the payer your Social Security number, as well as filling out IRS Form W2-G to report the full amount won. In most cases, the casino will take 25 percent off your winnings for the IRS before paying you. Gambling losses are indeed tax deductible, but only to the extent of your winnings. This requires you to report all the money you win as taxable income on your return. However, the deduction for your losses is only available if you itemize your deductions. If you claim the standard deduction, then you can't reduce your tax by your gambling losses. An accurate diary of your gambling winnings and losses; Documentation of your gambling activity that can be verified; The payer must provide you with a Form W-2G if you win: $600 or more if the amount is at least 300 times the wager; $1,200 or more in winnings from bingo or slot machines; $1,500 or more in winnings from keno. The IRS does acknowledge that a taxpayer may prove winnings and losses with other documentation, such as statements of actual winnings from the gambling establishment. Special Rules for Professional Gamblers. The professional gambler reports gambling winnings and losses for federal purposes on Schedule C, Profit or Loss From Business. A professional gambler is viewed as engaged in the trade or business of gambling. You can anticipate that the casino or other party that provides the payout to give or send you a Form W-2G. The information reported on this federal form includes the date you won, the reportable winnings, type of wager, federal and state taxes withheld and other details about the transaction.

Have you recently won some cash at the casino or racetrack? Congratulations! While it is very exciting, keep in mind there are tax implications and you should be prepared to pay federal, state and local income taxes on the winnings.

What Form Is Used To Report Gambling Winnings

You can anticipate that the casino or other party that provides the payout to give or send you a Form W-2G. The information reported on this federal form includes the date you won, the reportable winnings, type of wager, federal and state taxes withheld and other details about the transaction.

You will file a W-2G if you won money from any of the following sources (please note, the list is not exhaustive):

Horse/dog track or off track betting
Jai-alai
State-conducted lottery
Keno • Bingo
Slot machines
Poker winnings
Any other type of gambling winnings

Irs Form To Report Gambling Winnings

Keep in mind, even if you win money at a charity event that is hosted by a church or other type of non-profit organization, those winnings are taxable. If you paid money to participate in the event, such as purchased cards for a game of bingo at your church, you cannot claim the funds you spent as a donation to a non-profit organization when you file your income taxes.

If you find yourself on the losing end of a game of chance, you may wonder if you can report a gambling loss on your tax return. Generally, it is not allowable, but there are exceptions. It is advisable that you consult with a tax professional if you find yourself in such a situation or have questions.

Where To Report Gambling Winnings

For rules, laws and other information pertaining to gaming in Indiana, visit the Indiana Gaming Commission website at http://www.in.gov/igc/.