There’s no denying that managing to land a big win at a poker table or while playing online casino games can feel great.
These are the moments that draw people to gambling in the first place. But before the celebrations get out of hand, it’s essential to understand that a less exciting reality awaits: taxes.
Keeping the tax man happy is essential to responsible financial planning, but understanding what to do after a big win can be confusing. Do non-cash prizes count? How much of a person’s winnings should be put away for Uncle Sam? What forms need to be filled out? Let’s unpack the facts that successful gamblers need to know to stay on the right side of the law come tax season.
Wins count as income.
From the IRS’s perspective, gambling winnings aren’t some magical windfall separate from a person’s other income. They see it as a form of profit generated through an activity. Just like a salary represents income for work, gambling winnings represent income for the risk and skill a player has brought to the poker table.
The US government taxes all forms of income to fund public services, and gambling winnings certainly fall under that umbrella. Lucky streaks are not exempt from taxes, so it’s important to factor potential taxes into gambling strategies.
Now, this shouldn’t be cause for alarm. While the process can be quite involved, there are numerous online resources that can hold a gambler’s hand through the process. This comprehensive guide to poker taxes in the US, for instance, goes into great detail regarding which forms poker players should fill out and explores when and why reaching out to a tax professional might be a good idea.
Do non-cash prizes count?
It depends. In the United States, the general rule is that non-cash gambling prizes with a fair market value of less than $600 are not taxed. If a poker player wins merchandise, electronics, or even a hotel stay worth less than $600, these winnings will be considered too insignificant to report on a tax return.
If the non-cash prize has a fair market value of $600 or more, the value is considered taxable income. In this case, a person will need to report the fair market value of the prize on their tax return and pay taxes on it.
Tracking wins and losses
Unlike a steady paycheck, gambling involves a whirlwind of wins and losses, often in cash transactions. This can make tax season a real headache if someone needs to prepare. To avoid a chaotic scramble or underpaying taxes, meticulous record-keeping is an excellent idea.
Organizing records can protect a poker player or casino fan against tax headaches. Accurate records detailing exactly how much was won or lost make it easier to claim any allowable deductions and navigate tax season with confidence year after year. But what exactly should be tracked?
- Tournament buy-ins: Every penny counts, so don’t lose track of those entry fees. Hold onto receipts for all live tournaments and screenshot confirmation emails for online entries. This documented proof shows the IRS the exact amount a player spent.
- Cash game winnings: Even those tiny wins at the cash game table add up. Don’t let them slip through the cracks. Consider using a dedicated app or creating a detailed spreadsheet to track dates, opponents, pot sizes, and winnings. With all this information on hand, a player will have a much clearer idea of their overall cash game activity.
- Travel and expenses: For professional players who travel extensively for tournaments, documenting travel costs should be a top priority. Keep receipts for flights, hotels, and even meals. These expenses might be tax-deductible for professional gamblers.
All this record-keeping might sound like a full-time job, but having a clear and accurate record of gambling activities for tax purposes can protect a player from fees down the line. Every US citizen’s journey through federal tax filing involves various roads, and reporting gambling winnings is one of many crucial stops. It’s important to understand that gambling taxes have no separate process. For the IRS, it’s all part of the same game.
Further considerations
There are some areas where gamblers can sometimes get tripped up when dealing with gambling-related taxes. Many need to understand that freerolls and bonuses are also taxable. Just because a player didn’t pay a buy-in for a freeroll tournament or received a bonus from an online poker site, this doesn’t mean it’s a tax-free gift.
The IRS might consider them taxable income. Always check the site’s specific terms and conditions to be sure. Some might withhold taxes on more significant freeroll winnings or have particular rules regarding bonus conversions to cash. Glancing at the fine print can save a person from a headache later.
It’s also a good idea to also track proof of losses. When a session doesn’t go a person’s way, they should keep those receipts. The burden of proof lies with the player, and claiming gambling losses can potentially lower a tax bill.
Instead of relying on memory alone, keep those physical slips from online and physical tournaments, even if nothing was won. Remember that the IRS has specific thresholds for reporting gambling winnings, and remember to keep all records for at least three years after filing a return.
The nuances for poker players
While the basic tax principles apply to all gambling winnings, poker players can face some unique challenges. The IRS may consider dedicated players with consistent income as professional gamblers. In these cases, experienced players can deduct certain expenses as business costs. It’s valuable to point out that this requires excellent record-keeping abilities.
Without good records, it can be challenging to demonstrate that poker is a person’s primary source of income. If a person is surviving or even thriving on winnings alone, they might want to contact a tax professional who specializes in gambling income.
The bottom line
Cashing in on a big win is exciting, but with every win comes the responsibility to pay annual taxes. Keeping meticulous records and understanding the nuances of gambling tax reporting can help quite a bit. Remember, a little planning goes a long way in transforming gambling success into a financial victory beyond the tables. Winners don’t let tax time turn their good hand into a losing one.
