Tax filing for gambling income

Best for: W-2G forms, regular income and straightforward betting records.

Visit TaxAct

2. TurboTax — Best for guided help

Offers step-by-step filing, options for expert assistance and full-service tax preparation. It's a good fit if you're unsure how to enter betting income or have other complicated tax forms.turbotax.intuit.com+3

Best for: First-time filers who want guidance.

Visit TurboTax

3. H&R Block — Best for in-person assistance

Consider this if you'd rather sit down with a tax professional and have someone help organize your records and complete the return.www.irs.gov+2

Best for: People who prefer face-to-face help.

Visit H&R Block

4. A CPA or enrolled agent experienced in gambling taxes — Best for complex betting

If you use several sportsbooks, have a large volume of bets, have substantial losses, or need to amend a previous return, a specialist may be worth the fee. Ask specifically about experience with sports wagering records and federal and state tax rules.

The tax detail that matters most

Before choosing, be aware of three things:

• Report winnings, not just your net profit. Casual gamblers generally report gambling winnings as income, even if they lost money on other bets.www.irs.gov+3
• Losses are handled separately. For the 2025 tax year, gambling losses are generally deductible only if you itemize, and are limited to your winnings. For the 2026 tax year, a new federal rule generally limits the deduction to 90% of qualifying losses, capped at winnings.www.irs.gov+2
• Keep your records. Save sportsbook statements, bet histories, W-2G forms and records of winnings and losses. A W-2G isn't required for every taxable win.www.irs.gov+1

Let me narrow it down to the best option for you

Answer what you can; estimates are fine.

1. Which tax year are you filing?

2025 (filed in 2026)

2026 (filed in 2027)

A prior year

2. Where did you place bets?

One sportsbook

Multiple sportsbooks (FanDuel, DraftKings, etc.)

Sportsbooks plus casinos or fantasy sports

3. Overall, how did you do?

I finished ahead overall

I lost money overall

I'm not sure how to calculate it

4. Approximately how much in winnings?

Under $5,000

$5,000–$10,000

$10,000–$50,000

$50,000+

5. How would you like to file?

Cheapest DIY software

Software with expert help

A professional handles the return

[Find my best option]