I live in Illinois but won at a casino in Indiana, do I need to file an Indiana state return

I did receive a W2-G

Legally and technically yes, you do.  Unfortunately, Indiana is one of those states that requires all nonresidents with "Indiana-source" income (this includes gambling winnings) to file state tax returns.  Some states are more lenient on this point, and have certain dollar income limit thresholds, below which nonresidents don't need to file; while other states like Indiana have no such income-amount exemptions available for nonresidents.

You can quickly read the Indiana filing requirements for yourself by reviewing the following Ohio Department of Taxation webpage:

http://www.in.gov/dor/4731.htm

That being said, even though this means you have to file an Indiana state tax return, it doesn't necessarily mean that you'll pay much in taxes there.  In fact, if you had Indiana state taxes withheld from your casino winnings (see your W-2G), then it's certainly possible that you could see some of that money returned to you by way of an Indiana state income tax refund.  And the only way to request such a refund is to submit an Indiana tax return.

At the very least, filing an Indiana state tax return is a legal requirement if you have a W-2G from winnings at an Indiana casino.

One final tip here.  In TurboTax, when completing multi-state tax returns, there is a specific ordering sequence involved.  It is important to follow this process, so that the software will calculate correctly; it goes like this.  Complete your federal tax return first, your nonresident state return second (Indiana), and complete your resident state return last (Illinois).

Thank you for asking this question, and we wish you good luck with your future gambling activities.

So because I won money at a Indiana Casino I have a file as a Non-Resident to Indiana?

Indiana state tax took out $48.03 and with an estimated return of only $1!!

Turbo tax is charging me $49 to file an Indiana Tax Return. Seems unfair!!

Tax preparation fees are not based on the amount of the refund @bcagle21. It's the same for any tax preparation program. 

 

As awesome contributor @GeoffreyG explained Indiana requires you to file a return. The state says, "If you were a full-year nonresident of Indiana, but received any income from Indiana sources, you must file your Indiana income taxes."

 

Who should file a tax return?

 

You can download fill-in forms from Indiana and sign and mail in a state return. Go to 2021 Individual Income Tax Forms.