Do You Have To Report Gambling Winnings To Irs

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The information in this article is up to date through tax year 2019 (taxes filed in 2020).

If, like the vast majority of people, you’re a casual recreational gambler, you’re supposed to report all your gambling winnings on your tax return every year. You report the amount as “other income” on Schedule 1 of IRS Form 1040. You list them as 'other income' in line 21. 2 IRS Publication 529 (Miscellaneous Deductions) at page 11, states, “You cannot reduce your gambling winnings by your gambling losses and report the difference. You must report the full amount of your winnings as income and claim your losses (up to the amount of winnings) as an itemized deduction.”. Professional gamblers are allowed to.

Do You Have To Report Gambling Winnings To Irs Money

Every year, people flock to casinos in hopes of hitting it big. And since sports betting has been legalized, more people are engaging in gambling than before.

One thing to be aware of, though, is that certain winnings are taxable and are reported on IRS Form W-2 G. This document outlines your gambling winnings from a specific establishment. They should prepare the form to send to you and the IRS.

How do I get my Form W-2 G?

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It’s the gambling establishment’s responsibility to fill out and submit Form W-2 G to the IRS. The copy that you receive is for you to report on your tax return. If you haven’t received your W-2 G or you lost it, contact the gambling institution to get it reissued, or contact the IRS directly since they will already have a copy.

Do I have to pay tax on my winnings?

Only winnings above a certain amount in certain games are reported on IRS form W-2 G. It is important to understand that “winnings” refer to the net amount. So, if you wager $1,000 and win $2,000, your winnings are $1,000.

Only winnings above a certain amount from specific games will be reported on form W-2 G. Those include:

  • Slot machine and bingo winnings of $1,000
  • Keno winnings equal to or greater than $1,500.
  • Pokertournament winnings exceeding $5,000
  • Any lottery or sweepstakes winnings over $600
  • Any other gambling activity in which you won 300 times the wager

Are winnings withheld for taxes?

This simple question, like most tax-related inquiries, has a complicated answer. Gambling establishments withhold 25% of winnings for individuals who have a Social Security number on file and 28% for all others. Since these winnings are included in taxable income, the individual’s tax bracket ultimately determines how much is withheld.

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Can I deduct gambling losses?

Yes, losses can be deducted – although you won’t receive IRS form W-2 G outlining losses. Keep records of your wagers and losses. They will be reported on Form 1040, Schedule A as “Other Itemized Deductions.” Be aware, though, that the number of losses which are deductible cannot exceed the number of winnings reported on your tax return.

Gamblers understand the concept of win some, lose some. But the IRS? It prefers exact numbers. Specifically, your tax return should reflect your total year’s gambling winnings – from the big blackjack score to the smaller fantasy football payout. That’s because you’re required to report each stroke of luck as taxable income — big or small, buddy or casino.


If you itemize your deductions, you can offset your winnings by writing off your gambling losses.

It may sound complicated, but TaxAct will walk you through the entire process, start to finish. That way, you leave nothing on the table.

Do You Have To Report Gambling Winnings To Irs

How much can I deduct in gambling losses?

Do you have to report gambling winnings to irs installment

You can report as much as you lost in 2019 , but you cannot deduct more than you won. And you can only do this if you’re itemizing your deductions. If you’re taking the standard deduction, you aren’t eligible to deduct your gambling losses on your tax return, but you are still required to report all of your winnings.

Where do I file this on my tax forms?

Let’s say you took two trips to Vegas this year. In Trip A, you won $6,000 in poker. In the Trip B, you lost $8,000. You must list each individually, with the winnings noted on your return as taxable income and the loss as an itemized deduction in Schedule A. In this instance, you won’t owe tax on your winnings because your total loss is greater than your total win by $2,000. However, you do not get to deduct that net $2,000 loss, only the first $6,000.

Do You Have To Report Gambling Winnings To Irs Previous

Now, let’s flip those numbers. Say in Trip A, you won $8,000 in poker. In Trip B, you lost $6,000. You’ll report the $8,000 win on your return, the $6,000 loss deduction on Schedule A, and still owe taxes on the remaining $2,000 of your winnings.

What’s a W-2G? And should I have one?

Do You Have To Report Gambling Winnings To Irs Installment

A W-2G is an official withholding document; it’s typically issued by a casino or other professional gaming organization. You may receive a W-2G onsite when your payout is issued. Or, you may receive one in the mail after the fact. Gaming centers must issue W-2Gs by January 31. When they send yours, they also shoot a copy to the IRS, so don’t roll the dice: report those winnings as taxable income.

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Irs

Don’t expect to get a W-2G for the $6 you won playing the Judge Judy slot machine. Withholding documents are triggered by amount of win and type of game played.

Expect to receive a W-2G tax form if you won:

  • $1,200 or more on slots or bingo
  • $1,500 or more on keno
  • $5,000 or more in poker
  • $600 or more on other games, but only if the payout is at least 300 times your wager

Tip: Withholding only applies to your net winnings, which is your payout minus your initial wager.

What kinds of records should I keep?

Do You Have To Report Gambling Winnings To Irs Returns

Keep a journal with lists, including: each place you’ve gambled; the day and time; who was with you; and how much you bet, won, and lost. You should also keep receipts, payout slips, wagering tickets, bank withdrawal records, and statements of actual winnings. You may also write off travel expenses associated with loss, so hang on to airfare receipts.

Do You Have To Report Gambling Winnings To Irs 2019

Use TaxAct to file your gambling wins and losses. We’ll help you find every advantage you’re owed – guaranteed.

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