I won $1500 in ct but live and work in ma. Why do I have to file a ct tax return?

[ccrp]

I have gambling winnings.

[BMcCalpin · Accepted solution]

As you know, Connecticut does not tax gambling winnings received in the state of Connecticut by a non-resident. However, if Connecticut withheld any state taxes on your gambling winnings (as seen on your W-2G), then if you want that withheld returned to you, you will need to file a Connecticut tax return to get that withholding refunded to you. This is true even if you have no other Connecticut source income.

Of course, if you did not have any withholding on the gambling winnings or the amount is so trivial that it's not worth it to file a Connecticut return to get it back, then don't file a Connecticut return.

The Connecticut interview in TurboTax will recognize that you are a non-resident and will ask you what part of the winnings you believe are reportable in Connecticut. On the same screen, you will see that winnings for non-residents are not taxable in Connecticut, so you are encouraged in the ordinary case to leave the Connecticut field blank (the program will treat this as zero, which is what you want).

[abcdmoniz]

What about the state of Rhode Island?  Would I have to file a state return with them if I won? 

[BillM223]

Yes. Rhode Island specifically lists gambling winnings won in Rhode Island as a reason for a nonresident to file a Rhode Island return.

Please see 2019 INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILING RI-1040NR for more information.

[bigjimjazz7777]

I won a slots jackpot in Mass.but live in CT. What state do i pay taxes to?

[KatrinaB48]

You are required to report this income to both states. The general rule is that taxpayers pay state tax on all income, regardless of where it is earned, to their resident state. This is true for gambling income in Connecticut.

According to the Connecticut Department of Revenue:

If you meet the gross income test, then all gambling winnings are subject to Connecticut income tax to the extent they are included in your federal adjusted gross income. Please view the state link above to see if your gross income exceeds the amount in the gross income chart. If it does, then all gambling winnings included in your federal adjusted gross income are subject to Connecticut state tax.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue:

Nonresidents are taxed on gambling and lottery winnings from Massachusetts sources which include casinos and slots parlors located in Massachusetts.