Taxable Jackpots

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Taxable Jackpots and Payoffs

Unfortunately, many jackpots and payoffs to your casino are taxable. Although you win a unique promotion drawing and get to take home a free wide screen TV, you're going to get a value-in-kind taxable from the casino. In the event that they say the television is worth greater than $600, you're going to get an IRS 1099 form from the casino. You'll owe taxes on that quantity. Yuk.

Now the great part is that you may offset any losses against your winnings for the calendar year, so haven't any fear, you can also owe nothing. First, it's important to know what a taxable jackpot is.

Slots and Video Poker

If you might be playing any form of slot machine or video game, the taxable jackpot threshold is $1199. In case you win $1200 or more, before the attendant pays you for the jackpot they'll ask for a photograph ID and your social security number. If you're a US citizen and do not have your social security card for them to scan, it is important to fill out a W-9 IRS form. Again, don't fret, that only takes two minutes - but it's important to know your social. No social security number - no payoff.

Keno

In Keno, the payoff threshold is $1499. In case you hit a ticket for $1500 or more, before you get the bucks, you get to surrender the photo ID and your social security number. At some casinos the payoff can be made and not using a social, but 31 percent could be withheld for tax purposes.

Parimutual - Racebook

If you drop by the local casino and bet at the Kentucky Derby and your horse wins, well, you may have to pay the tax man. It is important to supply a photograph ID and social security number before the casino prints you out an IRS W-2G form in case your payout is $600 or more and 300 times greater than the wager.

Poker

Poker players sometimes hit a tax wall after they take part in a bad-beat jackpot. So, your four 8's get cracked by four 9's and also you lose the pot, but there is a jackpot. Whoo-hoo! Tax time. If that payoff is $600 or more, you might be probably getting a 1099 form.

Even tournament players are vulnerable to get 1099 forms when their payoff is greater than $600. Welcome to the fantastic world of casino gambling.

Table Games

Just whilst you thought it was safe to move within the pit, it seems you can get dinged for taxes there too. No, you will not get hit in the event you just happen to play great blackjack and win a couple of $500 bets, but any pooled-money jackpot or bonus bet is a possibility.

If you happen to play an advantage bet like Lucky Ladies and hit those elusive double queen of hearts, prepare for an "I got'cha" from the IRS. That's a 1000-1 win, and any 300-win for $600 or more wins you a free W-2G. Expect the similar thing with a straight flush or royal on Let it Ride or a royal flush on Caribbean Stud or even World Poker Tour Texas Hold'em.

If you desire to play a game like Pai Gow with a progressive, for those who hit the 300-1 and over $600 numbers, you're going to get a W-2G. In fact, in the event you do play Pai Gow, and bet the bonus, and some other person hits the monster jackpot with a 7-card straight flush, you'll have a surprise in store for you.

The surprise is saved for anyone who played $5 or more at the bonus that hand, because they're going to get an "envy" bonus of $5000. YEAH! And, really, I AM GETTING a W-2G on that too? Well, sure, you bet $5 and got 1000-1 in your money. That qualifies for the IRS to take a piece or your winnings before April 15th. Unless…..

Keeping Your Winnings

The IRS doesn't such as you to maintain your whole winnings, simple as that, you know, taxes, schools, infrastructure, etc. However, you'll be able to offset your winnings by keeping an eye on your bets and ensuring you simply must pay on what you actually won within the casinos for the year.

The Player's Club is Your Friend

If you hit a large jackpot, you may be so happy you were a player's club member chances are you'll just dance within the streets. In case you weren't, you are out within the street.

Using your player's club card will allow the casino to maintain track of your wins and losses. On the end of the year you'll ask for a win/loss statement and they're going to either email or snail (if the post office remains to be in business) mail you a replica. That are supposed to shrink your big jackpot's tax liability.

Also, for those who keep your personal ledger of casino gambling, you should use that for other casinos and the success you had there. Your ledger or log has to have four items for use together with your taxes:

• The form of game you played, reminiscent of slots, craps, poker, keno
• The date and site where you played
• Your wins and losses for every session or game - break them down individually
• Additional evidence of gambling activities reminiscent of used Keno tickets, sports wagers, etc.

Keeping a record of your casino gambling could seem time consuming and a large pain within the craps game, but it surely is smart for several reasons. Obviously, it will prevent a number of money at tax time, but there may be one more reason to maintain a log. By actually keeping an eye on your play, one can find where you appear to do better or worse, what games you spend essentially the most money and time on, and which games you want to skip.

That bit of knowledge, and accountability, on your gambling is usually a great thing. Do it.

Read More... [Source: About.com Casino Gambling: What's Hot Now]