If you win money by gambling, playing the the lottery, raffles, betting on horses, and the like you must report that to the IRS. This also means you must pay taxes using the market value of car, boat, or some asset you won. If you don’t report it to the IRS, they could send you a bill for what they estimate you won. Typically winnings have to be significant or usually over $600 dollars for Casinos to report your income to the IRS although all taxpayers are required to report all winnings. One good thing is that most casinos will not allow the IRS to monitor individuals or their tables.
In reporting your winnings or withholding, you will need to follow a few steps:
1) A payer must provide you with form W-2G
2) You need to put your winnings on Form 1040, line 21.
3) If you are itemizing deductions you can use the Schedule A, Form 1040 to report losses only up to the amount you won
4) To be eligible to deduct loses you need to show a receipt, or documentation of some kind to show both winnings and losses
If you have made a mistake and forgot to report your winnings or losses you can correct this situation and amend a tax return. Back taxes, penalties, and interest can quickly accumulate.
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February 24th, 2010
I was told if you do not live in the state of Oklahoma then you do not owe for any money or w-2 ‘s that you have won. Is this true? I know several people that have never paid their taxes on winnings because they do not live in Oklahoma, including me. I just want to know if this is correct? Even H & R Block is telling people they do not owe anything to Oklahoma for winnings off of W-2′s.
February 27th, 2010
What respond did you get?? I’m curious. Everyone has a different version on how to file with Oklahoma. No body know the right answer. I’ve been searching everything to find out what is the right thing to do with out of state winnings.
February 15th, 2011
[...] you gamble and win or receive prizes through contests or game shows, your winnings are supposed to be reported on your [...]
February 23rd, 2011
My family had some W-2Gs last year and wasn’t sure on how to track winnings and losses, although we found an IRS publication that helped. From what we’ve read you should keep a diary of wins and losses. We found a free iPhone app called WinLoss Slot player’s diary that helps track your activity.
February 1st, 2012
[...] Casino: If you won a large amount of money a casino will likely require you to fill out your information before they pay you out and will later send that info to the IRS. [...]