When you are issued a W2G for winning more than $1200, do you need to show proof of your Social Security number? Are taxes withheld if you do not have your S.S.# with you?

I know we have had this discussion before, but it's good to be sure of the answer and be prepared!

V,
Last year when I won at the Mirage, I showed only my driver's lisc. They did not withold any taxes.
This year, when Lee Ann won, she showed her SS card and driver's lisc. Again the Mirage did not withold any taxes.

V,
Since this is a Vegas topic, the answer to withholdings is no, they don't. A friend really got hassled at the Excalibur on a Keno win for not having a SS card even tho his SS number was on his drivers license. They weren't going to pay him.
I was only asked for my drivers license on my last one. I carry my SS card to Casino's just in case.
When I got one in Mississippi, they withheld State tax and I had to file a Miss tax return to get it back.

jm

V,
In LV they don't withhold any taxes unless you are not a citizen of the US, but you will receive a 1099.

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LarryinMich@prodigy.net


[This message has been edited by Larry Sowinski (edited July 28, 1999).]

V, They want something with your social security number on it. I usually show my drivers licence (which does not have my S.S. # anymore) and my C.C. Health Card which does have my S.S. # on it.

And they don't care who they pay as long as they get a S.S. number. Say you don't have one with you but Walt does. They will pay Walt if you okay it.

I wonder what they would do if one did not have any proof of ID or SS #- They can't keep the winnings, can they!!??!

They took my drivers liscense and a credit card and did not withhold any money. I had no problem with them.

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John
Moderator-Dining Forum

It sounds like it varies by casino in Las Vegas on whether you get a hassle or not.

So in Las Vegas no taxes withheld, huh?

What about Atlantic City? And how about the Canadian casinos? How does that work if you are a US citizen and win in Canada? Is the amount before you get taxed higher in Canada because it's Canadian money? <g>

V,
When I got a W2G at the Showboat in Atlantic City, they took my driver's license and my Showboat comp card. I offered them my social security card, but they said that they didn't need it. Pa. driver's licences' don't have your social security number on it. When I asked how they would make a W2G without my social security number, they said that the info is on file from when I signed up for the slot club card. However, when I signed up for the slot club card, I didn't show my social security card, I just wrote down the number on the form. I guess I could have made up a social security number and avoided paying taxes. <vbg> The Mirage said they needed 2 forms of ID and I gave them my license and social security card.
Lee Ann

It's been a long time, but I've only had to show my drivers license and a second ID ...in Lake Tahoe, Reno and Las Vegas. Maybe I should win something just to get more up-to-date info?

V,

There's no taxes on jackpots in Canada. If you choose to declare it when you come back into the US you'll have to pay taxes here.

jm

Jeff: The part about "if you choose to declare it" sounds like a plan.

Veronica, I agree, If we choose to declare, I'm sure being the honest people that we are, we would, right! I just love paying taxes. By the way, the coupons for AC are in the mail. Billie

Billie: You are a doll for sending those coupons!

Glad to see ya too.