ITIN Needed - UK Citizen
Maybe this is the wrong place but I don’t know where it belongs so feel free to move mods.
I’m an idiot and didn’t realise for any live MTT in America you need an ITIN in the event you cash/win, to avoid them withholding 30% tax. I recently cashed a MTT, after many years of not playing a live MTT. Same goes for any slot win or anything else considered a prize. Cash games unaffected which is what I have been accustomed to for 20 odd years.
I’ve googled, asked ChatGPT and know the steps to obtain an ITIN, but I’m wondering what the fastest way to get one is from the UK in time for wsop, when I plan to play a few events. Anyone in the UK applied, please advise me the quickest way to do so?
Cheers
5 Replies
I would think Las Vegas Lifestyle or Casino & Cardrooms poker as better place to post but…
I am US citizen so never had this issue. What I heard is the best way if you are already here or can’t get before you leave is directly from a casino…if you are in one that does this, nit sure which ones still do this, and win a taxable jackpot, $1200+, they will get you an ITIN to avoid the withholding. Then you can use this for any future wins at that casino or any other. Ofc “winning” a jackpot can be expensive.
From what I heard is that WSOP does NOT provide this service.
I would think Las Vegas Lifestyle or Casino & Cardrooms poker as better place to post but…I am US citizen so never had this issue. What I heard is the best way if you are already here or can’t get before you leave is directly from a casino…if you are in one that does this, nit sure which ones still do this, and win a taxable jackpot, $1200+, they will get you
Not sure about casino providing this is accurate, Hard Rock Seminole were very adamant you had to have it prior. It’s not their job, they issue the paperwork and you have to claim it back when you get an ITIN, the stress it would cause after the fact after a big score is not worth waiting for, I’d be better off getting an ITIN prior to bothering coming to play donkaments, hard enough to turn a positive expectation only to be taxed and withheld is a nightmare I just went through on a small scale.
You could try the irs.gov website and search for. "obtaining an itin from abroad". Better act before they slap a tariff on it.
Not sure about casino providing this is accurate, Hard Rock Seminole were very adamant you had to have it prior. It’s not their job, they issue the paperwork and you have to claim it back when you get an ITIN, the stress it would cause after the fact after a big score is not worth waiting for, I’d be better off getting an ITIN prior to bothering coming to play donka
Some casinos help you get it and some won’t. They are more likely to do it for a degen hit than a poker tournament. At one time most Vegas casinos on strip did it but I don’t think CET or MGM do so now. Last I recall Wynn still did it and maybe Venetian.
Decided to do more work for you. Just search ITIN here and on the first page are multiple threads discussing. Here is just one…
https://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/108/l...
ETA
Note this post from a year ago said Aria, Bellagio, and Venetian issue them. Other posts claim Wynn and Caesars Palace will. Note these are all for house game handpay jackpots
You are going to need to complete Complete W-8BEN form as well as Prepare Form W-7 (ITIN application). In addition, it states that in order to obtain an ITIN you need contact Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA), so they can verify your passport.
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The W-8BEN form basically states that you are a usa non-tax resident and that you qualify for a tax treaty exemption to avoid double taxation in your own country.
Then you need to submit/give this document to the relevant department at the WSOP/Bally's and then i think they won't withhold 30%.
Or you can file form 1040-NR and they will give you the money in 6-9 months i believe (thats what chatgpt is saying anyway), if you dont want to wait this long maybe some CPA firms will act as a like a factoring service where they you can sell them your withholding of 30% that is due to you, but im not sure?
Reach out to a CPA firm or some sort of Tax firm that offers this probably is your best option
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Feel free to pm if you need help an ITIN or filing form 1040-NR i might be able to help free of charge or less then what a CPA will charge you.
