If You Win the Big Jackpot Expect the IRS to Coming Knocking

Many people from all over the country enjoy gambling. Whether it’s big time poker, playing the slots or betting on sporting events, there are a lot of people who enjoy games of chance and the idea of winning something for nothing. Of course, most of the time, the house wins and the player walks away empty handed. When a player does win, it’s usually cause for a celebration. However, the big victory can be short-lived when the winner discovers that the taxman wants his piece of the pie as well.

In fact, the IRS is looking to really crack down on gambling earnings. As it stands rights now, when a person plays the slots he or she has to report any earnings of $1,200 or more to the IRS. The machine even stops working as soon as someone wins. It won’t start again until after a casino worker has presented the lucky winner with the necessary tax papers. However, recently the IRS threw out the idea of lowering that threshold down to just $600.

To no one’s surprise, many gamblers hate the idea. Realistically, they have a good point, too, because most people who play the slots never win enough to make up for their losses, so why should they have to pay taxes if they get lucky once or twice? Time will tell if the IRS end up getting the threshold lowered or not, but gamblers and casinos alike oppose the idea. For small time gamblers the idea seems unfair, and casinos say it would only take the fun out of the game for players.

Posted in
taxable savings

Can You Convert Taxable Savings Into Your Roth IRA?

Can You Convert Taxable Savings Into Your Roth IRA? Are you ready for retirement? It’s a common question and it applies to just about everyone at some point. However, being ready for retirement takes a great deal of planning and preparation, and not everyone is as ready as they think. One of the most important…

tax credit

Don’t Miss Out on These Tax Credits

Don’t Miss Out on These Tax Credits Most people know about tax deductions. Especially taxpayers who like to itemize. However, many taxpayers are not as aware of the numerous tax credits available to them every year. And missing out on these credits can cost you a lot of money. In fact, for many families, tax…

Five Tax Credits to Take

Five Tax Credits to Take

Five Tax Credits to Take There is a common phrase that states, “Nothing in life is free.” This may be true, but there are tax credits you can take to help save money when filing your tax return. Credit #1-First Time Home Buyer Credit The first time home buyer credit has been extended to cover…

social security

Best Ways to Avoid Social Security Taxes

Best Ways to Avoid Social Security Taxes For anyone getting closer to retirement the thought of collecting Social Security benefits has likely come to mind. You’ve worked a lifetime and now it’s time to kick off your shoes and reap the rewards of all that hard work. But did you know those benefits are not…