How To Record Gambling Losses On Tax Return

 
By Rocky Mengle, Tax EditorHow to record gambling losses on tax return policy

Gambling Losses. Gambling losses are only deductible up to the amount of your gambling winnings. Looks at gambling losses closely and requires documentation to support deductions. For tax purposes, you can never show a gambling loss in excess of winnings. Gambling losses in. Excess of gambling winnings cannot be carried.

Casualty
  1. Then we have issues with state tax returns. If the federal tax return doesn't treat casual gamblers with respect, state tax returns can be down right rude. Wisconsin, for example, doesn't allow any gambling losses against wins as an itemized deduction: if you lose, you lose; if you win, you lose.
  2. The date and type of gambling you engage in; the name and address of the places where you gamble; the people you gambled with; and the amount you win and lose; Other documentation to prove your losses can include: Form W-2G; Form 5754; wagering tickets; canceled checks or credit records; and receipts from the gambling facility.
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8 Tax Tips for Gambling Income and Losses

The American gaming industry is booming. New casinos and sports betting parlors are popping up across the country, Las Vegas is thriving, lotteries are popular and online gambling is big. There are certainly plenty of opportunities to plunk down a bet if you enjoy gambling. And, if that's your thing, we hope you come home a winner.

Stock Losses On Tax Return

However, if you are lucky enough to win some cash from a smart bet, don't forget that Uncle Sam wants his cut, too. So, before you run out and spend your jackpot, here are 8 things to remember about taxes on gambling winnings.

SEE ALSO: The Most-Overlooked Tax Breaks and Deductions

Gambling© Getty ImagesGambling losses on tax return

Play your tax cards right with gambling wins and losses

If you are gambling on sites such as vera & john SV which are safe and friendly then you have nothing to worry, but if you gamble at casinos, be sure you understand the tax consequences. The number of poker sets which are an indicative of both wins and losses can affect your income tax bill. And changes under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) could also have an impact.

Wins and taxable income

Tax

You must report 100% of your gambling winnings gotten at sites like cozino.com as taxable income. The value of complimentary goodies (“comps”) provided by gambling establishments must also be included in taxable income as winnings.

Winnings are subject to your regular federal income tax rate. You might pay a lower rate on gambling winnings this year because of rate reductions under the TCJA.

Amounts you win may be reported to you on IRS Form W-2G (“Certain Gambling Winnings”). In some cases, federal income tax may be withheld, too. Anytime a Form W-2G is issued, the IRS gets a copy. So if you’ve received such a form, remember that the IRS will expect to see the winnings on your tax return.

Losses and tax deductions

Report Gambling Losses On Tax Return

You can write off gambling losses as a miscellaneous itemized deduction, as stated in a report on www.piramindwelt.com. While miscellaneous deductions subject to the 2% of adjusted gross income floor are not allowed for 2018 through 2025 under the TCJA, the deduction for gambling losses isn’t subject to that floor. So gambling losses are still deductible.

But the TCJA’s near doubling of the standard deduction for 2018 (to $24,000 for married couples filing jointly, $18,000 for heads of households and $12,000 for singles and separate filers) means that, even if you typically itemized deductions in the past, you may no longer benefit from itemizing. Itemizing saves tax only when total itemized deductions exceed the applicable standard deduction.

Also be aware that the deduction for gambling losses is limited to your winnings for the year, and any excess losses cannot be carried forward to future years. Also, out-of-pocket expenses for transportation, meals, lodging and so forth can’t be deducted unless you qualify as a gambling professional.

And, for 2018 through 2025, the TCJA modifies the limit on gambling losses for professional gamblers so that all deductions for expenses incurred in carrying out gambling activities, not just losses, are limited to the extent of gambling winnings.

Casualty Losses On Tax Return

Tracking your activities

To claim a deduction for gambling losses, you must adequately document them, including:

  1. The date and type of gambling activity.
  2. The name and address or location of the gambling establishment.
  3. The names of other persons (if any) present with you at the gambling establishment. (Obviously, this is not possible when the gambling occurs at a public venue such as a casino, race track, or bingo parlor.)
  4. The amount won or lost.

You can document income and losses from gambling on table games by recording the number of the table you played and keeping statements showing casino credit issued to you. For lotteries, you can use winning statements and unredeemed tickets as documentation.

How To Record Gambling Losses On Tax Returns

Please contact us if you have questions or want more information about the tax treatment of gambling wins and losses.