1. Can I Write Off My Gambling Losses In 2018 Tax
2. Can I Write Off My Gambling Losses In 2018 Calculator
3. Can I Write Off My Gambling Losses In 2018 Taxes
4. Can I Write Off My Gambling Losses In 2018 Per

If you have gambling losses, you write them off as 'other miscellaneous deductions' on line 28 of Schedule A, where they get combined with your other itemized deductions to reduce your taxable income. A gambler not in the trade or business of gambling (a 'casual gambler') can deduct wagering losses as a deduction not subject to the 2%-of-adjusted-gross-income threshold (i.e., not among miscellaneous itemized deductions the TCJA suspended for tax years 2018 through 2025) on Schedule A, Itemized Deductions, but only to the extent of the winnings. For example, if you report $5,000 in gambling income on your W-2G, you can deduct up to $5,000 of your gambling losses. If you use the Standard Deduction instead of Itemized Deductions, gambling losses cannot be deducted. Gambling losses are a miscellaneous itemized deduction and are limited to the amount of gambling winnings claimed on Form 1040, line 21, Other Income. A gambling loss deduction is a virtually automatic audit. Without your detained diary of all gambling activity, your deduction will be denied as a matter of routine. You should only itemize if all your personal deductions, including gambling losses, exceed your standard deduction for the year. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), the massive tax reform law that went into effect in 2018, made it much harder for most taxpayers to itemize.

If you gamble, be sure you understand the tax consequences. 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.

Can I Write Off My Gambling Losses In 2018 Tax

Wins and taxable income

You must report 100% of your gambling winnings 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. 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.

Can I Write Off My Gambling Losses In 2018 Calculator

Can I Write Off My Gambling Losses In 2018 Taxes

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:

Can I Write Off My Gambling Losses In 2018 Per

1. The date and type of gambling activity.
2. The name and address or location of the gambling establishment.
3. 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.)
4. The amount won or lost.

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.

Please contact us if you have questions or want more information about the tax treatment of gambling wins and losses.

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