Gambling Losses Tax Deduction 2019
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.
If you itemize your deductions, you can offset your winnings by writing off your gambling losses.
Gambling losses include the actual cost of wagers plus expenses incurred in connection with the conduct of the gambling activity, such as travel to and from a casino. You can't deduct gambling losses that are more than your winnings. Generally, nonresident aliens can't deduct gambling losses on your Schedule A (Form 1040-NR). When you enter your gambling winnings in TurboTax, the interview will also ask you questions regarding gambling losses. Keep in mind that the deduction for your losses will only be available if you are eligible to itemize your deductions. You can't reduce your tax by your gambling losses, if you claim the standard deduction. Gambling Losses. Gambling losses can still be included as miscellaneous tax deductions, but the definition of gambling losses has been broadened to include other expenses related to gambling activities, such as travel to and from a casino or track. You can only deduct losses up to the amount of your winnings, so any excess loss can’t offset. You may deduct gambling losses only if you itemize your deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040 or 1040-SR) PDF and kept a record of your winnings and losses. The amount of losses you deduct can't be more than the amount of gambling income you reported on your return.
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, 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.
With all the changes in the new tax law, you may not know what expenses you’re still allowed to deduct. Fortunately, we have you covered. Here is a list of tax deductions you may have thought got the axe but are still available for your 2018 tax return.
Medical Expenses
The medical expense tax deduction is still available and will increase to 10 percent of your adjusted gross income. Qualifying medical expenses include doctor bills, prescriptions, insurance premiums under certain circumstances, newborn expenses, related travel expenses and more. You can even deduct the cost of service animals including purchase, training, feeding, grooming and veterinary care.
Gambling Losses
Gambling losses can still be included as miscellaneous tax deductions, but the definition of gambling losses has been broadened to include other expenses related to gambling activities, such as travel to and from a casino or track. 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.
- The names of any other person accompanying you to the gambling establishment.
- The amount you won or lost.
Alimony and Legal Fees
Alimony payments made under divorce or separation instruments that are executed after December 31, 2018 will no longer be deductible, and recipients of affected alimony payments will no longer have to include them in taxable income. But if your divorce was executed before the cut off, alimony is still deductible. Divorce-related legal fees may also be deductible by the party seeking alimony if the legal fees are incurred while disputing alimony rights.
Home Office Deduction
Gambling Losses Tax Deduction 2019 Irs
You may still be able to deduct some expenses for the business use of your home if there is a part of it that you use regularly and exclusively for work. To qualify, your home must also be your principal place of business, so even daycare providers and certain other businesses may take this deduction.
Gambling Losses Tax Deduction 2019 Income Tax
Health Savings Account Contributions
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is funded with pre-tax money, so it can still create tax deductions plus potential retirement savings. That money can be used tax-free for qualifying healthcare expenses, such as doctor visits, dental work, eyeglasses and more. HSA contribution limits will rise to $3,500 for individuals and $7,000 for families, and those 55 or older can contribute an additional $1,000. You’ll still need to have a qualifying high-deductible health insurance plan to contribute to an HSA, and you generally must not have any other health coverage.
No matter how the new tax laws affect your tax situation, ezTaxReturn can help you maximize your deductions and receive the biggest tax refund possible. The whole process is quick and easy as we ask about life events and other relevant information to help you take advantage of every credit and deduction the law allows.