What are the tax implications of winning online poker?
DBADiver asked:
If I were to win say, $100,000 playing online poker, I know the government wants to tax me on that. What happens if I don’t withdraw the money from my account? Do I pay taxes on it? What if I withraw just a little bit at a time over several years, do I have to report it?
I am in the U.S (Virginia), by the way.
Answer
I’m not a tax professional, but I can give you some general information about tax implications related to online poker winnings in the United States. Keep in mind that you should consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
- Reporting income: The IRS requires you to report all income, including gambling winnings, on your annual tax return. This includes online poker winnings, regardless of whether you have withdrawn the funds or not. If you don’t report your winnings, you could potentially face penalties and interest charges.
- Withdrawing funds: If you choose to withdraw your winnings gradually, you will still need to report the income as you receive it. Each withdrawal should be reported on your tax return for the corresponding year.
- Form W-2G: Online poker sites may issue a Form W-2G to report your winnings to the IRS. If you receive a W-2G, you must report the winnings on your tax return. However, even if you don’t receive a W-2G, you are still required to report your winnings.
- Deducting losses: You can deduct gambling losses up to the amount of your winnings as an itemized deduction. To do this, you must keep accurate records of your wins and losses, such as receipts, tickets, or a gambling log.
- State taxes: In addition to federal taxes, you may also be subject to state income taxes on your gambling winnings. Virginia, for example, has its own tax rates and rules related to gambling income.
Given the complexity of tax laws and the potential consequences of non-compliance, it’s important to consult a tax professional for guidance on your specific situation. They can help you navigate the tax implications of your online poker winnings and ensure you are in compliance with all applicable laws.
This is income from gambling. You must report it and you will be taxed accordingly. It doesn’t matter how you withdraw it. You will receive a W2-G which will how your winnings and that must be put on your Form 1040. If you had any LOSSES, you can deduct that, but only up to the amount of your winnings. So if you lost $1000 you can deduct $1000. But if you lost $105,000 you can only deduct $100,000.
Withdrawing the money has nothing to do with it being taxable. It became taxable when you won it. You can deduct your losses, though, as miscellaneous itemized deductions to offset the winnings. And being a US citizen, you are taxed on your worldwide income, not just on that earned in the US.