November 01, 2017
- Form W-2G is a document that a gaming facility may send you in January if you received winnings from gambling in the prior year. The form contains information you will have to report when filing.
- Online winnings are fully taxable so you must report gambling winnings, even those that didn’t have tax withheld. You might be able to deduct gambling losses.So, keep a record so you are able to report gambling winnings and deduct gambling losses with accuracy.
- But before you report your prize and gambling income, you need to know what does and doesn't count as income. Gambling and lottery winnings and losses. Whether you play the lottery, slots, blackjack, roulette or another game considered gambling, you must report all of your winnings even if you.
Have you recently won some cash at the casino or racetrack? Congratulations! While it is very exciting, keep in mind there are tax implications and you should be prepared to pay federal, state and local income taxes on the winnings.
All casino winnings are subject to federal taxes. However, the IRS only requires the casinos to report wins over $1,200 on slots and video poker machines or other games such as keno, lottery or horse racing. When you have a win equal to or greater than $1200, you are issued a W-2G form. This form lists your name, address and Social Security number. Depending on the amount you win through gambling, you may receive an IRS Form 1099 or W2-G from the casino or other gambling sponsor. IRS rules also require that sponsors of legalized gambling report gamblers winnings over a minimum amount. Many state taxation agencies require sponsors of legalized gambling to report gamblers' winnings as well.
You can anticipate that the casino or other party that provides the payout to give or send you a Form W-2G. The information reported on this federal form includes the date you won, the reportable winnings, type of wager, federal and state taxes withheld and other details about the transaction.
When Do Casinos Report Winnings
You will file a W-2G if you won money from any of the following sources (please note, the list is not exhaustive):
Do You Claim Gambling Winnings
- Horse/dog track or off track betting
- Jai-alai
- State-conducted lottery
- Keno • Bingo
- Slot machines
- Poker winnings
- Any other type of gambling winnings
Keep in mind, even if you win money at a charity event that is hosted by a church or other type of non-profit organization, those winnings are taxable. If you paid money to participate in the event, such as purchased cards for a game of bingo at your church, you cannot claim the funds you spent as a donation to a non-profit organization when you file your income taxes.
If you find yourself on the losing end of a game of chance, you may wonder if you can report a gambling loss on your tax return. Generally, it is not allowable, but there are exceptions. It is advisable that you consult with a tax professional if you find yourself in such a situation or have questions.
For rules, laws and other information pertaining to gaming in Indiana, visit the Indiana Gaming Commission website at http://www.in.gov/igc/.