From Forbes – Do you enjoy rolling the dice, playing cards or betting on the ponies? However you gamble, one thing is clear: gambling winnings are always taxable income in the eyes of the IRS. You might think that’s all the IRS says about gambling. But actually, the IRS offers some tax tips for casual gamblers.
1. Winnings Are Income. Gambling income includes winnings from lotteries, raffles, horse races and casinos. Obviously, cash winnings are taxable. You must report all your gambling winnings as income on your tax return regardless of whether you receive an IRS Form W-2G.
2. Winnings In Kind. But even if you don’t win cash, goods that you receive are taxable too. You’ll have to pay tax on the fair market value of prizes and awards you receive, such as cars or trips.
3. Tax Forms? If you win, you’re taxable regardless of whether you receive tax forms from the casino or other payer. These days, depending on the type of gambling, the size of your winnings, and other factors, you’re likely to receive an IRS Form W-2G. Think of it like the Form 1099 you get from your bank reporting the amount of interest you received. A copy goes to you and to the IRS so you don’t forget to report it on your return.
4. Withholding? You’ll also receive a Form W-2G if the payer withholds taxes from your winnings. Some gambling winnings are subject to withholding at a 25% rate. If your winnings less the amount of the wager amount to more than $5,000, withholding is generally required if the winnings are from sweepstakes, wagering pools, or lotteries. Wins from other wagering transactions are generally subject to withholding if the winnings are at least 300 times the amount wagered. See Instructions for Forms W-2G and 5754.
5. Where To Report. If you’re a casual gambler, you should report your winnings on the “Other Income” line of your of Form 1040.
6. Deducting Losses. You can deduct your gambling losses on Schedule A to your Form 1040. That’s where all your itemized deductions go. But remember that your deduction is limited to the amount of your winnings. You must report your winnings as income and claim your allowable losses separately. You cannot reduce your winnings by your losses and report the difference.
