Wealth, Family, and Business Tax Planning

Income From Gambling

Explains federal tax treatment of gambling winnings and the limited circumstances under which gambling losses may be deducted.

Taxable income comes in many forms. People who are lucky to win on game shows, sweepstakes, lottery, or at the blackjack table often fail to plan or consider the tax liabilities that come with winning money. Gambling winnings from gambling are considered taxable income; therefore, gambling losses, with specific limitations, may be tax deductible. The tax law firm of Lana Kurilova Rich PLLC will guide you through the complex rules and IRS regulations regarding Gambling income.

Deducting gambling losses:

  • You can claim a deduction on losses equal to or less than winnings, but not greater than your winnings for the tax year.
  • The burden of proof is always on the taxpayer to prove how much money you lost while gambling. The casinos will report your winnings to the IRS, but they do not know about, and are not required to report any of your losses. Thus, if you do not keep track of your losses and cannot prove them, you may be paying taxes on the income you really truly never had. Therefore, keeping accurate records that detail and account for your gambling winning and losses is very important. If you are claiming gambling losses that you are unable to substantiate, the IRS may disallow all or some of those deductions and charge you additional tax, long with substantial interest and penalties.

Defending Clients form and IRS Audit

The tax law firm of Lana Kurilova Rich PLLC has many years of experience and success representing client against the over-reach by the IRS. Our tax lawyer will skillfully defend and protect your rights. She will build strategies based on the latest tax rules and regulations and use every advantage at your disposal to achieve the best outcome possible.

Regardless of whether you are an amateur or a professional gambler, if you have income from gambling, it is subject to taxation. Call The tax law firm of Lana Kurilova Rich PLLC to ensure you can successfully defend your position on your tax return if your return is selected for the IRS audit.

Lana Kurilova Rich portrait

About Attorney Lana Kurilova Rich

  • Washington tax attorney since 2003: Lana Kurilova Rich has been admitted to the Washington State Bar since 2003 and has focused her practice on tax law since opening Lana Kurilova Rich, PLLC the same year.
  • Master of Laws in Taxation (LL.M.): Lana earned her LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Washington School of Law in 2007 in addition to her J.D. from Seattle University School of Law in 2003.
  • Former Court of Appeals law clerk: Lana served as Law Clerk to the Honorable Elaine Houghton of the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division II.
  • Bilingual: English and Russian: Born and raised in Russia, Lana is fluent in Russian and licensed to practice law in the Russian Federation in addition to Washington State.
  • Federal, state, and international scope: Lana represents clients before the IRS, Washington State agencies (DOR, ESD, and L&I), and on cross-border tax matters including FBAR and Form 8938 compliance.
  • Direct attorney communication: Clients work directly with Lana Kurilova Rich, not a routing desk. Calls and emails are returned promptly throughout the engagement.
  • Pro bono Low Income Taxpayer Clinic: Lana has volunteered with the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic since 2006, helping qualifying taxpayers resolve IRS disputes at no cost.
  • Integrated tax preparation and bookkeeping: The firm provides federal and state tax preparation alongside legal representation, reducing handoffs and accelerating resolution.

We invite you to contact our Bellevue, Washington, law office today by phone or by e-mail to discuss your case with our experienced tax lawyer. We are here to help.