Submitted By: someone
Answered: April 7, 2017 8:42 am

Why can’t I take my gambling losses on Form 1040 when I claim the standard deduction?

Gambling losses (referred to as wagering losses) are deductible only to the extent of gambling winnings. However, the deduction for these losses is not one of the enumerated deductions that can be claimed directly from gross income; they can only be deducted from adjusted gross income, meaning you must itemize to deduct them.

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Tax Glossary

Accelerated cost recovery system (ACRS)

A statutory method of depreciation allowing accelerated rates for most types of property used in business and income-producing activities during the years 1981 through 1986. It has been superseded by the modified accelerated cost recovery system (MACRS) for assets placed in service after 1986.

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