Finding CPA/accountant for filing W2G form as a non-resident alien with gambling winnings

15 Thanks for the info! Do you know if I'd be able to claim any gambling losses to offset the winnings as a non-resident? Also, any idea what the typical cost range would be for a CPA to handle a fairly straightforward non-resident return with a W2G?

8 Non-resident aliens generally cannot deduct gambling losses against their gambling winnings like US citizens can. The tax code treats gambling income for non-residents differently - it's usually subject to the flat withholding rate regardless of losses. As for cost, it varies widely depending on location and complexity, but expect to pay between $300-$600 for a straightforward non-resident return with gambling income. Some CPAs specializing in international taxation might charge more, but their expertise with treaty provisions might save you money in the long run.

19 How does this actually work with non-resident filing though? Does it just give advice or does it actually prepare the full return with the W2G included? I'm skeptical because every service I've tried so far has failed at the non-resident + gambling combination.

22 I've heard about this but wasn't sure if it handles international tax situations. Does it know about specific country tax treaties? I'm from India and supposedly there's a treaty that might reduce my withholding rate from 30% to 25%.

12 It analyzes your specific documents and provides detailed guidance on exactly what forms you need and how to file correctly - it doesn't just give generic advice. For my situation, it identified the correct withholding rate and explained how to properly report my W2G on the 1040-NR, which was the most confusing part for me. Yes, it does factor in country-specific tax treaties! That's actually one of the features I found most helpful. It recognized my country of residence and applied the relevant treaty provisions when analyzing my situation. For India, it would certainly identify the applicable treaty rate if you're eligible for the reduced 25% withholding.

17 How does this even work? The IRS phone system is notoriously terrible. Do they just have some secret way to get through the queue or something? Seems too good to be true.

19 I'm extremely skeptical. The IRS international line is basically unreachable this time of year. Are you saying this service actually got you connected with a real human who knew about international tax issues? Did they have any issues with connecting you to the specific department you needed?

6 They use an automated system that keeps dialing and navigating the IRS phone tree until it gets through, then it sits on hold so you don't have to. It's not a secret method - just technology handling the frustrating part. They connected me directly with the international taxation department. I was skeptical too, but they really delivered. The IRS agent I spoke with was specifically trained in non-resident gambling taxation and walked me through exactly how to handle my W2G reporting and what additional forms I needed. The key is that you specify which IRS department you need to reach, and they make sure you get to the right place.

1 I hadn't thought of that! Do they typically have actual tax specialists or just general information? My country's consulate website doesn't mention anything tax-related that I could find.

4 It varies by country. Some consulates have dedicated tax attachés who can provide detailed guidance, while others might just offer basic informational resources. What I found helpful was that my consulate had country-specific guidance that accounted for our tax treaty with the US. Even if they don't have specialists on staff, many consulates maintain lists of recommended CPAs who regularly work with citizens from your country. These CPAs usually have specific knowledge about the tax treaties and unique situations that apply to your citizenship. Worth giving them a call to ask!

16 This happened to me too! The casino mistakenly treated me as a US resident because I had a US mailing address (I was staying with my cousin). Is there any way to get the casino to fix their mistake, or do we just have to deal with it at tax time?

11 Unfortunately once the W2G is issued, the casino rarely corrects it. They usually put the burden on you to sort it out with the IRS. The safest approach is to verify the withholding percentage when you're at the casino winning the money. If you spot an incorrect withholding rate on your W2G, you could technically make an estimated tax payment using Form 1040-ES (NR) to cover the difference and avoid penalties. But most people just handle it when filing their 1040-NR, which is what I ended up doing.

This is really helpful information about Form 8833! I hadn't heard of this form before but it sounds like it could be crucial for claiming treaty benefits. Quick question - do you know if there are penalties for NOT filing Form 8833 when you should have? And regarding the ITIN specialization, is that something I need to get before filing my return, or can it be handled as part of the same process with a qualified CPA?