Don't wager on horse racing if you live in ILLINOIS !!!

Originally Posted by brianwspencer

No, I paid my taxes the way they were supposed to be paid in the first place according to the tax code, so they didn't need to send me a letter.

I highly doubt you did, because any wager you made is subject to state income tax the way the law reads. Not only W-2G's, but any wager. You might have claimed your W-2G's on your Ill. state form and paid your 3% on those (without taking losses into account), but in reality the state could go after you for ANY wager you profited on...still using that twin spires card?

Excerpt from Article:

* Most taxpayers believe gambling proceeds are immune from tax, unless they receive a Form W-2G.

* Each pull of a lever or push of a button on a slot machine, hand of blackjack or spin of a roulette wheel is an individual wager that may result in gambling winnings.

* To prove gambling losses and taxable income, taxpayers are subject to rules of proof, recordkeeping, estimating and credibility.

Most taxpayers are unaware of the reporting requirements for gambling wins and losses. This article explains how to calculate and prove taxable income, net winnings and basis or losses claimed.