Question 1

Can Canadians get back tax withheld at a U.S. casino?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Under the Canada-U.S. tax treaty, residents of Canada can deduct U.S. gambling losses from U.S. gambling winnings of the same year. If your documented losses cover your winnings, most or all of the tax withheld can come back.

Question 2

How much will I get back?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your documented losses that year. For 2025 and earlier, losses equal to your winnings can mean a full refund. From the 2026 tax year, U.S. law counts only 90% of losses, so a full refund needs losses of about 111% of winnings. The estimator does the math.

Question 3

How far back can I claim?

Accepted Answer

Generally three years from June 15 of the year after your win. Winnings from 2023 must be filed by June 15, 2027. Older years are usually closed.

Question 4

Do I need an ITIN?

Accepted Answer

Yes, unless you have a U.S. Social Security number. We prepare your ITIN application with your return. As a Certifying Acceptance Agent, we verify your passport ourselves, so you don't mail it to the IRS.

Question 5

What documents do I need?

Accepted Answer

Your Form 1042-S (or W-2G), your casino win/loss statements or other records of losses, and your passport. If you lost your 1042-S, the casino can usually reissue it and we'll tell you how to ask.

Question 6

How long does it take?

Accepted Answer

Allow at least 6 months and up to a year or longer after filing, depending on IRS processing. We follow up with the IRS until the refund is issued; we cannot guarantee a timeline.

Question 7

How is the refund paid?

Accepted Answer

The IRS pays you directly. Casino Tax Refund never receives or handles your refund. We set up the payment method that applies to your situation.

Question 8

What does it cost?

Accepted Answer

We charge a flat fee, never a percentage of your refund. Contact us for a quote based on your file.

Question 9

Is my information secure?

Accepted Answer

Your documents are kept in encrypted private storage, only Charles and Rami can access them, and we keep them only as long as IRS rules require. See our privacy policy for how to request access or deletion.

Frequently asked questions