Handpay & ITIN number

Question

Hi,

Just returned from Las Vegas yesterday, and while there got my first ever Handpay.

This was at the Como, so received all the money, and was given a little slip of paper that has very little detail on it.

I assumed it would have the ITIN number on it somewhere, but when we got back to the room, and had a look, there is very little info on it.

Am I right in thinking that I will just receive the ITIN paperwork to my home address in a few months?…we live in the UK.

Answer

Congratulations on your first Handpay win! I understand that you have some questions regarding the ITIN number (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) and the paperwork associated with your win in Las Vegas, especially as you live in the UK.

When you win a large sum at a casino (usually over $1,200), the casino is required by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) to report the winnings, and they will issue a form to the IRS, typically a W-2G form, to document the transaction. The ITIN is necessary for those who do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) in the United States, which is common for international visitors. However, the ITIN might not be included on the slip you received immediately after the win.

Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

Immediate Documentation: The slip you received at the casino (after your Handpay) is typically a receipt acknowledging the payout and tax reporting requirement. It often doesn’t include the full details of your tax situation, including the ITIN.
ITIN Paperwork: If you don’t already have an ITIN, the casino will typically file the necessary information with the IRS. However, the process of obtaining an ITIN is a bit more involved and might take a few months. The ITIN itself is not automatically printed on the receipt or immediately handed to you.
Receiving ITIN Documentation: You should expect to receive the paperwork related to your ITIN through mail at your home address (in the UK) within a few months. This will include your ITIN number if the IRS determines you need one for tax purposes related to your winnings.

It’s important to keep a copy of the receipt you received at the casino and any other relevant documentation for your records. You will need this for tax purposes when you file your tax return, both in the US and potentially in the UK, depending on your tax residency and agreements between the countries.

If you don’t already have an ITIN and are concerned about the paperwork, you might want to reach out to the casino’s tax department or consult with a tax professional to ensure everything is in order. In some cases, if you are required to file a US tax return, you'll need to apply for an ITIN directly from the IRS.

In summary, you're correct in assuming that the ITIN paperwork will come separately. Just be patient, and be sure to keep track of your records in case you need them for any tax filings.

Handpay & ITIN number

More Las Vegas Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions