Claiming Gambling Losses 2019
Play your tax cards right with gambling wins and losses
Irs Gambling Winnings Losses
Pursuant to section 165(d) of the IRC, the deduction for gambling losses is limited to the amount of gambling winnings. Gambling losses are not subject no the subtraction of two percent of adjusted gross income that is required by section 67 of the IRC or the overall limitation on itemized deductions that is contained in section 68 of the IRC. Gambling losses are only deductible as a miscellaneous itemized deduction, so you must itemize your deductions in order to claim the deduction. Even better news is that gambling losses are not subject to either the 2% of AGI reduction of miscellaneous deductions or the phase out of itemized deductions for high-income taxpayers. The IRS allows you to claim your gambling losses as a deduction, as long as you don’t claim more than you won. The deduction can only be claimed if you choose to file Schedule A, Itemized Deductions. You can only deduct losses up to the amount of your winnings, so any excess loss can’t offset other highly taxed income. According to the IRS, taxpayers must compile the following in a log or other record: The date and type of each wager or wagering activity. The name and location of the gambling establishment. If you claim a gambling loss deduction, you will have to prove that you are entitled to it. Casinos send a form W-2G when you win to let the IRS know that they paid you, but it's up to you to establish your losses. The IRS requires you to keep tickets or receipts and a diary of your winnings and losses to substantiate your deduction.
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
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
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.
Tracking your activities
To claim a deduction for gambling losses, you must adequately document them, including:
- The date and type of gambling activity.
- The name and address or location of the gambling establishment.
- 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.)
- The amount won or lost.
Claiming Gambling Losses 2019 Season
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.
Gambling Losses Deduction 2019
Please contact us if you have questions or want more information about the tax treatment of gambling wins and losses.