Dreaming about those dazzling Vegas lights—or perhaps that jackpot you hit on a slot machine? Winning big in an American casino is undoubtedly exhilarating, but there’s one reality that hits non-US residents hard: the 30% withholding tax on your earnings. Here’s the good news—you can claim it back! At RMS, Canada’s most trusted gaming and casino tax refund agency, we make this process easy.
Whether you’ve won on a slot machine, hit the tables, or even bagged a game show prize, this guide will show you how to maximize your tax refund quickly and efficiently.
What Is a Casino Tax Refund, and Why Does It Matter?
When non-US residents win taxable gaming income in the United States, federal law requires a 30% withholding tax on your winnings. This often leaves winners wondering if they’re walking away with everything they’ve rightfully earned. For example, if you win $10,000, you might see $3,000 taken by Uncle Sam before you even leave the casino floor.
Thanks to the Canadian/US Tax Treaty of 1996, eligible Canadians can recover a significant portion of this tax. This is where RMS enters the picture. Since 1998, we’ve specialized in gaming and casino tax refund services to help Canadians reclaim their hard-won money—with a 100% success rate!
Why Choose RMS for Your Tax Refund?
If you’ve tried navigating IRS forms before, you already know the headaches that come with the US tax system. RMS takes the stress out of refunds with One Simple Step™—you sign where indicated, and we handle the rest. Here’s what makes us Canada’s top name for refund management services:
- Experience You Can Trust
With over two decades of expertise, we’re the longest-standing US-Canada tax accountants specializing in slot machine tax refunds, gambling refunds, and casino tax recovery.
- Certified Acceptance Agents
RMS is also a certified acceptance agent, meaning we can certify your identification documents—a crucial requirement for the IRS.
- Relationships with Casinos
Misplaced your Form 1042-S? No problem. We’ve established partnerships with major US casinos to retrieve any missing paperwork on your behalf.
- Reputation for Results
Accredited by the BBB and the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, we’ve successfully recovered taxes for thousands of clients.
By working with RMS, you’re not just choosing speed and convenience—you’re choosing peace of mind.
Tips for Getting Your Casino Tax Refund Quickly
While RMS makes the refund process seamless, there are a few things you can do to get your money back even faster.
- Keep Your Documentation Handy
After a win, you’ll be issued IRS Form 1042-S by the casino. This document details your winnings and the taxes withheld. If you’ve lost yours, don’t stress—our team has built strong relationships with many casinos to retrieve it for you.
- Apply Within the 3-Year Window
The IRS allows non-residents to claim a refund within three years of their win. If your winnings date back further, they’ll be ineligible, so act quickly to avoid losing money.
- Ensure Your Identification Is Certified
IRS refund claims require certified government-issued identification, such as:
- A certified passport, or
- A certified driver’s license and birth certificate.
As certified acceptance agents, RMS can handle this step for you, saving you time and hassle.
- Report Qualified Gaming Losses
Did you know you can offset your winnings with your gambling losses? If you haven’t already tracked these, you’ll want to include receipts, statements, or other records of losses in your application. RMS can help ensure your claim fully complies with IRS regulations.
- File with Experts, Not On Your Own
Filing your claim without professional help can often lead to costly mistakes. Many of our clients come to us after their claims were denied due to errors in their paperwork. Why risk it? RMS guarantees smooth filing from start to finish.
- Be Patient
Most refunds take 12 to 15 weeks once processed. With RMS handling your paperwork and communication with the IRS, you can rest easy knowing we’re diligently working to recover your money.
Common Casino Tax Refund FAQs
Am I eligible for a casino tax refund?
You’re eligible if you meet the following criteria:
- You’re a non-US resident.
- You won taxable gaming income from slots, poker, lotteries, or any similar games in the U.S. within the last three years.
- You have IRS Form 1042-S from the casino (or are able to retrieve it).
- You have certified identification (passport or driver’s license and birth certificate).
- You have qualified gaming losses.
Can I claim a refund for game show winnings?
Yes! RMS specializes in recovering taxes for all forms of U.S. prize winnings, including game shows, lotteries, and raffles. No matter how you’ve hit the jackpot, we have you covered.
How long does the process take?
The typical turnaround time for most refunds is 12 to 15 weeks. Filing as soon as you return to Canada can help speed up the process.
What if my refund claim was denied elsewhere?
If your claim has already been denied, don’t worry—RMS will work tirelessly to appeal your case. Our team knows the ins and outs of IRS policy and will ensure your rightful claim is processed.
RMS: The Easiest Way to Get Your Tax Money Back
Winning money at a casino is hard enough—getting your refund shouldn’t be. At RMS, we’ve spent over 20 years simplifying the casino tax refund process for Canadians, ensuring you recover as much of your winnings as possible.
Our track record speaks for itself. With a 100% success rate and the easiest refund service in the industry, we make tax recovery fast, stress-free, and rewarding. From start to finish, RMS is your one-stop solution for all your US gambling tax recovery needs.
Don’t leave your money behind—start your refund today.
Apply Now with RMS and take the first step toward getting your winnings back!