This is completely unheard of to me and almost seems like it had to be a mistake. I received 1099s for prize money in 2014 and have in the past. Both of the sites where I qualified last year sent 1099s with travel included. That is the standard procedure.

If Monmouth was touting how they give out more NHC spots than any other racetrack (which they did at the NHC) and they are actually passing through the cost to the players, then that's pretty wretched.

yes

I understand where you are coming from, and I could be wrong, but my instinct tells me that it has nothing to do with Monmouth and everything to do with the IRS.

The IRS definition of income is all money, goods, property and services you receive from any source derived. In basic terms, anything you receive is taxable unless the tax code specifically exempts it. If you go on The Price is Right and you win a car, you have to report the value of the car as income and pay taxes on the value. It is why Richard Hatch, the first winner of Survivor, went to jail for failing to report his winnings.

Again, I am not an expert in the area. But I do know that anything you receive is income unless the tax code specifically says it is exempt or deductible. I am sure there is a CPA around here who knows better, but my instinct says that winning a trip to the NHC is something that you need to discuss with your accountant as there may be tax consequences.

Wow...There must be some kind of loophole somewhere because in theory, all prize winnings are taxable. Wonder if tourneys keep growing if our lovable friends will go for the money grab regarding it.

(its probably related to same theory that where if you go to the track or casino, you are suppose to report EVERY SINGLE ticket or hand you win as income)

What is probably happening is that some of the people might be voluntarily reporting it as gambling income and then just writing it off as gambling loss. I guess if I were to get into a tourney and lose, I would consider that a gambling loss on my taxes. When you do your taxes, there is an area for 'unreported gambling winnings' but I think you can only write off what is reported on W2G's but I could be wrong.

But I agree with you with what you are saying on taxable income.

The seat cannot be taxable. You cannot buy in, so it has no monetary value. The $3k is the prize money contribution by the satellite contest. If that is taxed, then all taxes have already been paid on all the prize money, so no one cashing at the NHC should have to pay taxes. Does that sound remotely right to anyone? Big no right there.

Like I said, I would check with a CPA. But you might be surprised by what the IRS considers taxable.

It starts with everything you receive.

the loophole. Possibly well done

Fair and right ain't got nothin to do with it.

This is my understanding as well. I can't buy a seat. I can't sell a seat. It has no monetary value. It is simply an entry into a "free" contest. The seat itself is only an entry into a contest. There are lots of contests out there with no entry fee and none are taxable to enter.

Obviously, if you cash at the NHC, it is a different story...

Paul

My only hope is that I have similar challenges to the confusing tax code after tonight's powerball drawing.

:tro:

1099-misc
 

Update- I went to the NTRA folks with the issue and they told Monmouth you can't assign a value to a seat at the nhc so you can't include the cost as a the 1099. how's that for a good outcome. I entered the Saturday contest at Monmouth and was told that a new 1099 was needed. bill