Winning big at a U.S. casino comes with lots of thrills—until you realize that up to 30% of your winnings go straight to Uncle Sam. But here’s the good news: if you’re a Canadian non-resident, you can claim that money back with the help of RMS, Canada’s most trusted provider of casino tax refund services.
To make the process smooth and speedy, we’ve compiled seven essential tips to help you get your casino tax refund fast (and hassle-free!) with RMS.
Tip 1: Know if you’re Eligible
Before applying for a refund, ensure you meet these eligibility criteria:
- You’re a non-U.S. resident.
- You won taxable income from U.S. gambling activities (such as slot machines, table games, game shows, or poker tournaments).
- You have an IRS Form 1042-S issued by the casino showing your winnings and withholding taxes (don’t worry if you misplaced it—RMS can help retrieve it).
- You have certified ID documents.
- Your gambling losses qualify for deductions based on the Canada-U.S. Tax Treaty.
If you fit the above, congratulations! You’re ready to start the refund process and reclaim your money.
Tip 2: Choose Experts Who Specialize in Casino Tax Refund Services
Navigating the U.S. tax system can be confusing and time-consuming, especially for those unfamiliar with the process. Partnering with professionals like RMS, established in 1998 and led by a Canadian Chartered Accountant, ensures that your casino tax refund is handled with expertise.
With a 100% success rate and over 20 years of experience, RMS has never had a rightful claim denied by the IRS. You won’t have to stress about complex forms—just sign where indicated, and we’ll handle the rest through our One Simple Step™ service.
Tip 3: Start Your Claim Early
Timing is everything when it comes to tax refunds. The IRS has a three-year filing limit, so you can only claim taxes withheld within the past three years. Don’t wait too long; the earlier you apply, the faster RMS can process your refund. Most of our clients submit their claims as soon as they return to Canada after their big win.
If you’ve won during the current year, RMS can begin processing your claim at the start of the next tax year.
Tip 4: Organize Your Documentation
Having the right documents ready speeds up the process significantly. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A certified passport OR
- A certified driver’s license + birth certificate
Don’t have these documents certified yet? No problem. RMS is also a certified acceptance agent, which means we can handle the ID certification process in-house.
Tip 5: Leverage RMS’s Relationships with U.S. Casinos
Lost or damaged your IRS Form 1042-S? It happens! Luckily, RMS has established relationships with major gambling establishments across the U.S., allowing us to retrieve your forms directly from the casino quickly. This saves you the hassle of contacting the casino yourself and ensures no delays in starting your claim.
Tip 6: Avoid DIY Mistakes
Many people attempt to claim their casino tax refund on their own, only to face rejections from the IRS due to application errors. If your claim is denied, the appeal process becomes even more complex and time-consuming.
By using RMS, you’ll avoid these mistakes entirely. Our experts ensure every detail of your application is accurate before submission to guarantee the best possible outcome.
Tip 7: Take Advantage of RMS’s Online Process
With RMS, getting your refund is easy and convenient. Our One Simple Step™ process means all you need to do is sign where indicated, and we’ll handle the multitudes of forms and paperwork on your behalf.
As an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau and the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, RMS guarantees a stress-free experience from start to finish.
Why Trust RMS for Your Casino Tax Refund?
Here’s how RMS stands out as Canada’s top choice for U.S. casino tax refunds:
- Over 20 Years of Experience: Since 1998, we’ve helped thousands of Canadians reclaim millions in tax money.
- Certified Acceptance Agents: We’re the only Canadian tax accounting firm that certifies IDs in-house, making the process even faster.
- 100% Success Rate: No rightful claim has been denied by the IRS under RMS’s care.
- Simplified Process: Our One Simple Step™ service takes the hassle out of tax recovery.
- Trustworthy Reputation: We’re accredited with the BBB and recognized members of professional communities across North America.
How Much Can You Expect to Get Back?
The amount you can recover depends on your specific winnings and losses. Thanks to the Canada-U.S. Tax Treaty, you can deduct qualified gambling losses, which reduces the tax amounts owed. RMS works with the IRS to make sure you get the maximum refund you’re entitled to.
Most of our clients receive their refunded tax money within 12–15 weeks, depending on the IRS processing times and availability of documentation. With RMS on your side, you can trust us to expedite this timeline whenever possible.
Get Your Casino Tax Refund Fast with RMS
Don’t leave your winnings behind. With RMS, you can reclaim your hard-earned money quickly, easily, and with peace of mind. Whether you’ve hit the jackpot on a slot machine or enjoyed success at a poker table, our team is here to help you get your refund without the headache.
Click below to get started with Canada’s #1 casino tax refund service today.
Start Your Claim Now