Anyone get an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)?

[aznfoos]

I'm looking to get one because of a couple recent events.

I go to Las Vegas around 2x/year (yes, RFD personal financial no-no) and I like to play in some poker tounaments. I recently placed well in 2 poker tournaments but the casino had to withhold 30% of my winnings because I did not have a SSN or ITIN!! Apparently this will happen in any large payouts (jackpots too).

Has anyone successfully applied for one based solely on gambling revenue? Any other revenue?

Thanks.

[asdfvcx]

No, the casino withheld 30% because the US-Canadian tax treaties states that Canadians pay a 30% tax on gambling winnings in the US.

If you had an ITIN you can use it to reduce this 30%, if you can show that you have other loses which have reduced your net winnings. So unless you have evidence of a lot of losses, it's not really worthwhile.

There's a bit more info here (http://www.howlandtax.com/articles/gambling.htm). (Although I think this is a commercial site that wants you to pay them to help with all the paperwork.)

[deejayspinz]

Yes, I am in the process of doing this for writing a book for a company in the US. What a pain in the A$$... I had to wait 2 months only to find out I missed one small little item... When I called, they had no clue about the status of my application, yet 3 days layer I get the rejection letter. The ppl you call for support are in a different office from those that process the apps, and one hand does not know what the other is doing...

So, I am in the process of re-submitting my application. Guess I will have to wait another 2 months to even discover if I did the app right.. Worse yet, you have to submit one of a few forms of ID/proof - for me it was a notorized copy of my passport.

As for the 30% - in my case, they are witholding the full 30%. Once I have the ITIN, I have to submit what is called a W8 form to the publishing company.. Then they will relese the 30%... Apparently this is relatively new (past few years)...