Gambling Losses Deduction 2017

Since the gambling losses deduction is an itemized deduction, you cannot use any other income tax form. Brought to you by Sapling Report the amount of your gambling losses on line 28 of your Schedule A list of itemized deductions. In the space next to line 28, note that the deduction comes from gambling losses.
The amount of gambling losses you can deduct can never exceed the winnings you report as income. For example, if you have $5,000 in winnings but $8,000 in losses, your deduction is limited to $5,000. You could not write off the remaining $3,000, or carry it forward to future years.

Gambling Losses up to the Amount of Gambling Winnings You must report the full amount of your gambling winnings for the year on Schedule 1 (Form 1040), line 21. You deduct your gambling losses for the year on Schedule A (Form 1040), line 16. You can't deduct gambling losses that are more than your winnings. You can't reduce your gambling winnings. To deduct your losses from gambling, you will need to: Claim your gambling losses on Form 1040, Schedule A as Other Miscellaneous Deduction (line 28) that is not subject to the 2% limit. You cannot deduct gambling losses for an amount greater than your gambling income. No matter how you file, Block has your back. Deductions are allowable for gambling losses, but not to the extent that one would think, given the broad language in Internal Revenue Code Sec. That section allows a deduction for any losses incurred in a transaction entered into for profit, even if that transaction is not part of a trade or business.

November 13, 2017 by April Thiel, CPA

You Win Some, You Lose Some at the Casino!

I would really love it if a client of mine called me up one day and said, “I won big at the casino! How do I report that?” While we all may dream of hitting it big, the reality is, many walk away with empty pockets.

“Can I deduct those losses?” is a question posed by the less than lucky when it comes time to file their tax returns. While people generally expect to pay state and federal income tax on winnings, they typically growl when they learn that the tax system is not a two-way street when it comes to reporting losses.

It comes down to whether you are a “professional gambler,” or what the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) calls a “casual gambler.” Unless the way you play lands you on the World Series of Poker on ESPN or playing slots is your 9-5 job, the general answer is “casual gambler.”

Unfortunately, “casual gambler” is not a good answer for tax purposes. A professional gambler is just as you might imagine; gambling is their business, their profession. They can deduct expenses and losses like any other business. However, as a casual gambler, unless you meet strict IRS guidelines, you may lose out on benefiting from gambling losses at tax time.

There are standards that must be met and the designation of professional or casual gambler is based on “facts and circumstances.” As a casual gambler, you could use some of the losses on your federal return if you itemize, but not nearly to the extent most would like. They are limited to the amount of gains you had, and only on your Schedule A as an itemized deduction. Additionally, in past years you did not benefit from any of those losses when it came to your Michigan return. In Michigan, your beginning tax calculation starts with your federal adjusted gross income—which did not include gambling losses for casual gamblers, until recently.

Michigan now allows “session method” previously only for pros

In 2016, Michigan issued a Revenue Administration Bulletin that specifically lays out what the state will allow when it comes to reporting gambling income and losses. Beginning in January 2016, Michigan now recognizes the “session method” of reporting your gambling income and losses. This is the only way to receive any type of benefit from wagering losses in Michigan.

As a casual gambler, this does not mean you can deduct a loss on your wagering, but it does mean that you can now at least use your daily losses to offset your winnings on the same type of game on the same day (or session), up until a break-even point (not less than zero.) For many who stick to the same types of games (i.e., tables versus slots) this is promising news. Additionally, most casinos utilize player cards that handle the record keeping that the IRS and state require upon an audit. You would need to be consistent for federal and state purposes, but by lowering your federal adjusted gross income using the session method, you potentially save yourself a great deal of state tax that was not an option in the past.

As an example, I may have a W-2G from the casino for $2,000; but I really spent $3,000 for a $1,000 loss playing my favorite slot machine all on one day. Without using the session method, I potentially must pay federal tax on $2,000, unless I itemize. I may be able to use $2,000 as an itemized deduction if I am eligible to file Schedule A. Either way, I’m still paying tax on winnings even though I walked away with less money than I started with. I would also have to pay Michigan tax on $2,000. Using the session method, I cannot deduct a loss of $1,000, but I also will not be paying either federal or state tax on the W-2G amount.

How can this help you?

If you are organized and can provide the required support under audit, you may be able to utilize the session method and save tax dollars, especially now in Michigan. As with any tax topic, it can be complex and you should always consult your tax advisor.

Gamblers understand the concept of win some, lose some. But the IRS? It prefers exact numbers. Specifically, your tax return should reflect your total year’s gambling winnings – from the big blackjack score to the smaller fantasy football payout. That’s because you’re required to report each stroke of luck as taxable income — big or small, buddy or casino.

Gambling Losses Deduction 2017 Taxes

If you itemize your deductions, you can offset your winnings by writing off your gambling losses.

It may sound complicated, but TaxAct will walk you through the entire process, start to finish. That way, you leave nothing on the table.

How much can I deduct in gambling losses?

You can report as much as you lost in 2019 , but you cannot deduct more than you won. And you can only do this if you’re itemizing your deductions. If you’re taking the standard deduction, you aren’t eligible to deduct your gambling losses on your tax return, but you are still required to report all of your winnings.

Where do I file this on my tax forms?

Let’s say you took two trips to Vegas this year. In Trip A, you won $6,000 in poker. In the Trip B, you lost $8,000. You must list each individually, with the winnings noted on your return as taxable income and the loss as an itemized deduction in Schedule A. In this instance, you won’t owe tax on your winnings because your total loss is greater than your total win by $2,000. However, you do not get to deduct that net $2,000 loss, only the first $6,000.

Now, let’s flip those numbers. Say in Trip A, you won $8,000 in poker. In Trip B, you lost $6,000. You’ll report the $8,000 win on your return, the $6,000 loss deduction on Schedule A, and still owe taxes on the remaining $2,000 of your winnings.

What’s a W-2G? And should I have one?

A W-2G is an official withholding document; it’s typically issued by a casino or other professional gaming organization. You may receive a W-2G onsite when your payout is issued. Or, you may receive one in the mail after the fact. Gaming centers must issue W-2Gs by January 31. When they send yours, they also shoot a copy to the IRS, so don’t roll the dice: report those winnings as taxable income.

Don’t expect to get a W-2G for the $6 you won playing the Judge Judy slot machine. Withholding documents are triggered by amount of win and type of game played.

Expect to receive a W-2G tax form if you won:

$1,200 or more on slots or bingo
$1,500 or more on keno
$5,000 or more in poker
$600 or more on other games, but only if the payout is at least 300 times your wager

Tip: Withholding only applies to your net winnings, which is your payout minus your initial wager.

What kinds of records should I keep?

Keep a journal with lists, including: each place you’ve gambled; the day and time; who was with you; and how much you bet, won, and lost. You should also keep receipts, payout slips, wagering tickets, bank withdrawal records, and statements of actual winnings. You may also write off travel expenses associated with loss, so hang on to airfare receipts.

Use TaxAct to file your gambling wins and losses. We’ll help you find every advantage you’re owed – guaranteed.

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