1040

It’s that time of year again- March Madness is upon us, as is the time to file your taxes. A pressing question on the minds of many Americans this time of year is how to report fantasy sports income on their tax returns. The answer is relatively simple.  Assuming your involvement in fantasy sports does not rise to the level of a trade or business, this income is reported as hobby income. You claim the winnings (net of any entry fees) as other income on line 21 of your Form 1040, and if you are able to take advantage of itemized deductions, you can write off related expenses (i.e. entry fees which did not result in any winnings) on Schedule A, subject to a few important limitations: First, your expenses are deductible only to the extent of the related income you report on line 21. Second, like investment adviser fees, any related expenses are reported as miscellaneous itemized deductions, and you only benefit to the extent your total miscellaneous itemized deductions exceed 2% of your adjusted gross income. Additionally, these deductions may be eliminated completely if you are subject to alternative minimum tax. Also […]