quazar66 said:
I heard somewere that you can only get taxed if you are a pro. If you have a job they cant tax you. If you are a pro then all you have to do is write down your losses in a notebook or log. Then just bring it to HR block. For most people you dont have to worry about it.
This has been discussed at great length on pocketfives and rec.
gambling.poker. Accountants say if you derive any income from playing
poker online you have to pay taxes on it. If the IRS audits your bank records and sees a series of transfers from NETeller and the like where deposits exceed withdrawals, you will be in a world of trouble.
If you make $2500 in a year from mowing lawns you have to report that, too. Even if you make $100,000 a year as an investment banker.
What I have expressed concern about is that the government has said
online poker is illegal. If you report your income as gambling on your tax forms, can the IRS turn you over to the feds? I've asked this question and I have been told the IRS does not care about the source of the income as long as it is reported. They do not freely hand information over to law enforcement without a fight.
In a few days a CPA on pocketfives is going to answer questions from forum members about tax issues related to gambling income. I would say it would be worth taking a look at.
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