If you aren’t in the trade or business of gambling, you should be aware that gambling winnings are fully taxable and must be reported as income on your tax return. Gambling income includes but isn’t limited to winnings from lotteries, raffles, horse races, and casinos, and also includes cash winnings and the fair market value of prizes, such as cars and trips. Here is what you need to know:
Gambling Winnings
If you receive certain gambling winnings or have any gambling winnings subject to federal income tax withholding, you will be issued a Form W-2G, Certain Gambling Winnings. Gambling winnings are reported as “Other Income” on Schedule 1 of Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR. Winnings that aren’t reported on a Form W-2G should also be included. Depending on the amount of gambling winnings, you may be required to pay an estimated tax on that additional income. For additional information on withholding gambling winnings, please contact the office.
Gambling Losses
You may deduct gambling losses only if you itemize your deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040) and have kept a record of your winnings and losses. The amount of losses you deduct can’t be more than the amount of gambling income you reported on your return. You can claim your gambling losses up to the amount of winnings as “Other Itemized Deductions.”
Nonresident Aliens
As a nonresident alien of the United States for income tax purposes and you must file a tax return for U.S. source gambling winnings, using Form 1040-NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return. Generally, nonresident aliens of the United States who aren’t residents of Canada can’t deduct gambling losses.
Recordkeeping
To deduct your losses, you must keep an accurate diary or similar record of your gambling winnings and losses and be able to provide receipts, tickets, statements, or other records that show the amount of both your winnings and losses. If you need assistance with this, don’t hesitate to call.
Any accounting, business or tax advice contained in this communication, including attachments and enclosures, is not intended as a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific issues, nor a substitute for a formal opinion, nor is it sufficient to avoid tax-related penalties. If desired, we would be pleased to perform the requisite research and provide you with a detailed written analysis. Such an engagement may be the subject of a separate engagement letter that would define the scope and limits of the desired consultation services.