Lottery Tax Calculator with Guide on Taxation Gambling and Lottery Winnings

This lottery tax calculator can also be used as a gambling tax calculator. This post is not only for a tax withholding calculator on lottery winnings or gambling winning under federal and state tax law but also for all the issues concerning the taxation of these winnings. Understanding the taxation of lottery winnings in the USA is crucial for anyone fortunate enough to win a significant prize.

Lottery Tax Calculator or Gambling Tax Calculator

The lottery tax calculator, or gambling tax calculator, can also be used by a non-resident alien as a U.S. lottery tax calculator for foreigners. This calculator will compute the federal as well as state withholding tax on lottery or gambling winnings.

Is income from lotteries and gambling taxable?

This is the most obvious question, and the simple answer is that every penny of winnings from lottery or gambling is taxable under Federal tax law. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), lottery winnings, including winnings from casinos, horse racing, and sports betting, are taxable at the normal tax rate that applies to any other income of an individual taxpayer.

What is the federal tax rate on gambling winnings?

The federal tax rate on gambling winnings or lottery winnings is the same for an Individual. These winnings are added to an Individual’s total income and taxed at the normal Individual tax brackets that apply to an individual. These winnings must be reported on Line 21 (Other Income) of your Form 1040.

Summary Video on Taxation of lottery & Gambling Winnings

Withholding Tax Rule on Gambling and Lottery Winnings.

As per Section 3402(q) of IRC, gambling and lottery winnings exceeding a certain threshold are subject to withholding tax. The organization responsible for paying the winnings must withhold a certain percentage for federal income tax purposes.

For gambling winnings, the withholding threshold is generally $5,000 or more, while for lottery winnings, the threshold is $600 or more in most cases. The Federal withholding rate is 24% for U.S. citizens and residents and 30% for non-resident aliens.

Is Gambling Taxed Differently than Lottery Winnings?

While both types of winnings are fully taxable under Internal Revenue Code and taxed at the same tax rate, however, there are some differences when it comes to tax withholding and adjustment of losses, as explained below :

1. The tax withholding in the case of lottery happens if your winning is more than $600, but in the case of gambling winning, it is $5,000.
2. Another difference is in setting off losses from these activities. For gambling winnings, taxpayers can deduct their gambling losses up to the amount of their winnings. For example, if you win $10,000 from a casino and have $7,000 in gambling losses, you can offset the winnings with the losses, resulting in a net taxable income of $3,000. To claim this deduction, you must itemize deductions. In contrast, lottery ticket winnings do not allow for the deduction of losses. All lottery winnings must be reported as income and fully taxable, with no loss offset.

Do Casinos Report Winnings to IRS?

The answer is yes. The casino is bound by Section 6041 of IRC to report all winnings exceeding $600. According to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 6041,

“All persons engaged in a trade or business and making payment in the course of such trade or business to another person, of rent, salaries, wages, premiums, annuities, compensations, remunerations, emoluments, or other fixed or determinable gains, profits, and income of $600 or more in any taxable year, or, in the case of such payments made by the United States, the officers or employees of the United States having information as to such payments and required to make returns in regard thereto by the regulations hereinafter provided for, shall make a return ….”

Similarly, according to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 3402(q), “Every person, including the Government of the United States, a State, or a political subdivision thereof, or any instrumentalities of the foregoing, making any payment of winnings which are subject to withholding shall deduct and withhold from such payment a tax.”

So, the casinos and lottery organizations responsible for paying the winning amounts are legally obliged to report the winnings to the IRS. If you wish, check out online casino

Record Keeping in Case of Gambling or Lottery Winnings

Record keeping is a must in gambling winnings as there may always be a chance of an IRS audit or audit by state tax authorities. You should keep an accurate diary or similar record of winnings and losses. The following documentation to support the entries within the diary can be used to support gambling winnings and losses :

1. Federal Form W-2G,
2. Certain Gambling Winnings; federal Form 5754, Statement by Person(s) Receiving Gambling Winnings;
3. Wagering tickets;
4. Cancelled checks;
5. Substitute checks;
6. Credit records;
7. Bank withdrawals, and
8. Statements of actual winnings or payment slips provided by the gambling establishment.

How do I report Lottery or Gambling Winnings on my Tax Returns?

So, on your winnings of more than $600 in Gambling or more than $5,000, you will receive Form W-2G, which contains the winnings amount and the tax withheld. You should use those details to declare winnings in your tax return and pay taxes on your winnings. You must report your winnings on your tax return even if you do not receive a Form W-2G. Keep the records of winnings as suggested in the earlier question.

State Taxes on Gambling and Lottery Winnings

In addition to federal taxes, gambling, and lottery winnings may also be subject to state income taxes. The tax rates and treatment of winnings vary by state; some states do not tax lottery or gambling winnings. The casinos or lottery organizations will withhold taxes for states and states where you won or bought the ticket. You can refer to the tax withholding rate by state.

If you have any comments or advise on this Lottery Tax Calculator, please email us at [email protected].