Many Canadians win money at U.S. casinos but have 30 percent of their winnings withheld for tax. The good news is that most of this money can be recovered by filing a U.S. casino tax refund.
However, many people file incorrectly, which leads to smaller refunds or long IRS delays. At USTaxRecovery.com, we see the same mistakes repeated often. Here’s what they are and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Filing Without an ITIN
The IRS will not release any refund unless you have an ITIN. Many Canadians file a return without one and wait months, only to find out the IRS rejected the claim.
Always apply for an ITIN first. We handle ITIN applications and refund claims together to avoid delays.
Mistake 2: Incorrect or Missing Form 1042-S
Your casino gives you a 1042-S form that shows your winnings and the tax withheld. If this form is missing or incorrect, your refund gets delayed.
Common problems include:
- Wrong amounts
- Incorrect personal information
- Missing casino details
We always review the form before filing.
Mistake 3: Filling Out the 1040NR Incorrectly
Form 1040NR must be accurate. Canadians often:
- Enter the wrong amounts
- Claim the wrong treaty benefits
- Miss signatures
- Forget required documents
These errors cause the IRS to delay your refund or reduce the amount.
Mistake 4: Filing Too Late
The IRS gives you three years to file. If you wait too long, you lose your refund forever. Filing early ensures no deadlines are missed.
Mistake 5: Not Claiming Treaty Benefits
The U.S.–Canada Tax Treaty allows Canadians to claim losses against winnings, which increases the refund. Many people don’t know this and end up with a smaller refund.
Mistake 6: Submitting Incomplete Identification
The IRS must confirm that you are a Canadian resident. Missing residency proof can delay your refund for months.
Mistake 7: Filing Without a Specialist
Filing on your own is possible, but mistakes are common. With USTaxRecovery.com, you get:
- ITIN support
- Accurate 1040NR filing
- Full document review
- Faster refund processing
- Higher refund amounts
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these mistakes makes a big difference in how fast and how much you get back from the IRS.
Start your refund claim with USTaxRecovery.com today and let our specialists help you file correctly, avoid delays, and recover the maximum refund possible.