81_FR_96625 81 FR 96374 - Information Returns; Winnings From Bingo, Keno, and Slot Machines

81 FR 96374 - Information Returns; Winnings From Bingo, Keno, and Slot Machines

DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY
Internal Revenue Service

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 251 (December 30, 2016)

Page Range96374-96380
FR Document2016-31575

This document contains final regulations under section 6041 regarding the filing of information returns to report winnings from bingo, keno, and slot machine play. The rules update the existing requirements regarding the filing, form, and content of such information returns; allow for an additional form of payee identification; and provide an optional aggregate reporting method. The final regulations affect persons who pay winnings of $1,200 or more from bingo and slot machine play, $1,500 or more from keno, and recipients of such payments.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 251 (Friday, December 30, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 251 (Friday, December 30, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 96374-96380]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-31575]


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DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY

Internal Revenue Service

26 CFR Parts 1, 7, and 31

[TD 9807]
RIN 1545-BL68


Information Returns; Winnings From Bingo, Keno, and Slot Machines

AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury.

ACTION: Final regulations.

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SUMMARY: This document contains final regulations under section 6041 
regarding the filing of information returns to report winnings from 
bingo, keno, and slot machine play. The rules update the existing 
requirements regarding the filing, form, and content of such 
information returns; allow for an additional form of payee 
identification; and provide an optional aggregate reporting method. The 
final regulations affect persons who pay winnings of $1,200 or more 
from bingo and slot machine play, $1,500 or more from keno, and 
recipients of such payments.

DATES: These regulations are effective on December 30, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Bergman, (202) 317-6845 (not a 
toll-free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    This document contains final regulations in Title 26 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations under section 6041 of the Internal Revenue Code. 
The final regulations replace the existing information reporting 
requirements under Sec.  7.6041-1 of the Temporary Income Tax 
Regulations under the Tax Reform Act of 1976 for persons who make 
reportable payments of bingo, keno, or slot machine winnings. The new 
requirements are set forth in a new Sec.  1.6041-10 of the regulations. 
Because the new requirements replace the existing requirements, the 
regulations under Sec.  7.6041-1 are being removed.
    On March 4, 2015, the Treasury Department and the IRS published a 
notice of proposed rulemaking (REG-132253-11) in the Federal Register, 
80 FR 11600, containing proposed regulations that would update the 
existing rules and add rules for electronically tracked slot machine 
play, payee identification, and an optional aggregate reporting method.
    A public hearing was held on June 17, 2015, and five speakers 
provided testimony. In addition, over 14,000 written public comments 
were received. After careful consideration of the written comments and 
statements made during the hearing, the proposed regulations are 
adopted as modified by this Treasury Decision.

Explanation and Summary of Comments

    All of the 14,000 written comments on the notice of proposed 
rulemaking were considered and are available at regulations.gov or upon 
request. Many of these comments addressed similar issues and expressed 
similar points of view. These comments are summarized in this preamble. 
Comments pertaining to parimutuel gambling in the case of horse races, 
dog races, and jai alai are being considered in a separate regulations 
project under section 3402(q).

Filing Requirement, Form, and Content of the Information Return

    Commentators supported the proposed rules regarding filing 
requirements and the form and content of the information returns 
required to be filed. Accordingly, the Treasury Department and the IRS 
conclude that the final regulations should adopt the filing 
requirements without modification.

Electronically Tracked Slot Machine Play

    The proposed regulations created rules for electronically tracked 
slot machine play, which was defined in proposed Sec.  1.6041-10(b)(1) 
as slot machine play where an electronic player system controlled by 
the gaming establishment (such as through the use of a player's card or 
similar system) records the amount a specific individual wins and 
wagers on slot machine play. Section 1.6041-10(b)(2)(i)(D) of the 
proposed regulations provided that gambling winnings for electronically 
tracked slot machine play are required to be reported if (1) the total 
amount of winnings netted against the total amount of wagers during the 
same session of play was $1,200 or more, and (2) at least one single 
win during the session was $1,200 or more without regard to the wager. 
A ``session'' of play was determined with reference to a calendar day. 
The changes were intended to facilitate reporting by payees on their 
individual income tax returns under the proposed safe harbor in Notice 
2015-21, 2015-12 I.R.B. 765.
    Some commentators expressed concern regarding the feasibility of 
the proposed rules given existing technology and recommended that the 
proposed rules not be adopted. Commentators stated that one of the 
purposes of electronic player systems was for marketing and customer 
loyalty and that current systems should not be used as a mandatory 
method for tracking winnings and wagers for purposes of tax reporting. 
Moreover, commentators stated that the use of electronic player systems 
for tax reporting may chill customer use and have a negative effect on 
customer relations. In addition, some commentators stated that their 
electronic player systems lack the necessary controls to be used for 
tax reporting, and that implementing such controls may be costly and 
labor-intensive. Based on these comments, the

[[Page 96375]]

final regulations do not adopt the proposed rules for electronically 
tracked slot machine play.

Payee Identification Requirements

    The proposed regulations retain the rule in Sec.  7.6041-1(c)(3) of 
the Temporary Income Tax Regulations that the payor must obtain two 
forms of identification from the payee to verify the payee's identity. 
However, Sec.  1.6041-10(f) of the proposed regulations modifies the 
rules for acceptable identification by requiring that one of the forms 
of identification include the payee's photograph and by providing that 
the payor may accept a properly completed Form W-9 in lieu of 
identification that includes the payee's social security number. The 
proposed regulations provide that payors may rely on this provision 
prior to publication of final regulations in the Federal Register.
    Most commentators supported the proposed rules regarding the types 
of identification that can be relied on to verify a payee's identity. 
In particular, commentators supported the provision that allows a Form 
W-9 to be used as an acceptable means of verifying a payee's identity 
in lieu of identification that includes the payee's social security 
number. This rule is consistent with procedures currently used by many 
payors to address the fact that, today, most forms of identification 
that payees carry with them do not contain a social security number.
    Other commentators suggested that the list of examples of 
acceptable forms of government-issued identification be expanded to 
include tribal member identification cards issued by a federally 
recognized Indian tribe. Some commentators also suggested that an 
exception from the photo identification requirement be provided for 
tribal identification cards presented at tribal government gaming 
facilities because many tribal identification cards do not contain 
photographs.
    In response to the comments received, the list of examples of 
acceptable government-issued identification has been expanded in Sec.  
1.6041-10(e)(1) of the final regulations to include tribal member 
identification cards issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe. In 
addition, in response to comments, Sec.  1.6041-10(d)(2) of the final 
regulations provides an exception to the photo identification 
requirement if one of the forms of identification is a tribal 
identification card presented at a gaming establishment owned or 
licensed by the tribal government that issued the tribal member 
identification card.

Optional Aggregate Reporting Method and Session

    Section 1.6041-10(h) of the proposed regulations provides a new 
rule for an optional aggregate reporting method. Under Sec.  7.6041-
1(a), reporting of gambling winnings from bingo, keno, and slot machine 
play is required each time a payor makes a payment of reportable 
gambling winnings (i.e., a payment that meets the reporting threshold). 
The aggregate reporting method allows a payor who makes more than one 
payment of reportable gambling winnings to the same payee from the same 
type of game during a ``session'' to report the aggregate amount of 
such reportable gambling winnings on one Form W-2G, provided the payor 
satisfies certain recordkeeping requirements set forth in the 
regulations. Under Sec.  1.6041-10(b)(3) of the proposed regulations, a 
``session'' is generally defined as a period of play that begins when a 
patron places the first wager on a particular type of game at a gaming 
establishment and ends when the patron places his or her last wager on 
the same type of game before the end of the same calendar day at the 
same gaming establishment. This aggregate reporting method may be used 
at the payor's option. The proposed regulations provide that payors may 
rely on this provision prior to publication of final regulations in the 
Federal Register.
    Commentators were generally supportive of the proposed optional 
aggregate reporting method but did suggest some changes. Accordingly, 
the final regulations adopt the proposed optional aggregate reporting 
method with some modifications.
    First, the period for purposes of the aggregate reporting method in 
the final regulations is not referred to as a ``session.'' Rather, in 
Sec.  1.6041-10(g) of the final regulations, the period used for 
purposes of the aggregate reporting method is now referred to as an 
``information reporting period.'' The proposed regulations' definition 
of a ``session'' was intended to mirror the concept of ``session'' set 
forth in the safe harbor for the determination of wagering gains and 
losses from electronically tracked slot machine play that was published 
in a Notice and draft Revenue Procedure on the same date as the 
proposed regulations. Notice 2015-21. The Treasury Department and the 
IRS are still considering the income tax reporting rules in this area, 
and the draft Revenue Procedure has not been finalized. Therefore, to 
avoid confusion, the aggregate reporting method rules in Sec.  1.6041-
10(g) of the final regulations have been modified so that the period 
during which reporting may be aggregated is referred to as the 
``information reporting period'' rather than as a ``session.''
    Second, commentators suggested that rather than a calendar day, 
payors should have the option of using the 24-hour period known 
commonly in the industry as the ``gaming day'' for purposes of the 
aggregate reporting method. The comments explained that the period of a 
``gaming day'' is used by gaming establishments for financial 
accounting, gaming control board, and other regulatory purposes, and 
allows each establishment the flexibility to define a day for these 
purposes by taking into account peak gaming times. The ``gaming day'' 
period is also utilized in complying with anti-money laundering 
reporting obligations. According to the comments, a gaming day is a 24-
hour period that ends at a time during which the gaming establishment 
is closed or when business is slowest, typically between 3 a.m. and 6 
a.m. The comments indicate that allowing payors to use the same period 
for purposes of information reporting as for other regulatory purposes 
will enhance the benefits of aggregate reporting for payors by not 
having a different reporting period for tax reporting, and by allowing 
aggregate reports to be generated during non-peak gaming times.
    To give payors more flexibility, the final regulations adopt these 
suggestions and provide a flexible ``information reporting period'' as 
the period to be used for aggregate reporting. Under Sec.  1.6041-
10(b)(2) of the final regulations, an ``information reporting period'' 
is either a ``calendar day'' or a ``gaming day,'' so long as that 
period is applied uniformly by the payor to all payees during the 
calendar year. A payor may adopt a different ``information reporting 
period'' from one calendar year to the next, but may not change the 
``information reporting period'' in the middle of a calendar year. 
Changes to a payor's ``information reporting period'' from one calendar 
year to the next must be implemented on January 1. In addition, the 
final regulations provide that on December 31st, all open information 
reporting periods must end at 11:59 p.m. in order to end by the end of 
the calendar year. This rule is necessary to maintain calendar year 
federal income tax reporting that is the bedrock of the information 
reporting regime and that is required by section 6041. Section 1.6041-
10(b)(2)(iii) of the final regulations provides that if a ``gaming 
day'' is adopted for a calendar year, the information reporting period 
for

[[Page 96376]]

December 31st ends at 11:59 p.m. on December 31, and the information 
reporting period for January 1st begins at 12 a.m. on January 1, 
regardless of the number of hours of the December 31st and January 1st 
information reporting periods.
    Third, commentators noted that the proposed regulations did not 
specifically define ``gaming establishment,'' and how to deal with 
common ownership between various casinos. Section 1.6041-10(b)(2)(iv) 
of the final regulations defines the term ``gaming establishment'' as a 
business entity of a payor of reportable gambling winnings with respect 
to bingo, keno, or slot machine play, and includes all gaming 
establishments owned by the payor using the same employer 
identification number (EIN) issued to such payor in accordance with 
section 6109.
    Finally, commentators requested that the proposed recordkeeping 
requirements with respect to aggregate reporting be updated to reflect 
the actual credentials held by various casino representatives. These 
recordkeeping requirements require that payors maintain a record of 
every payment that will be reported using the aggregate reporting 
method and that each entry in the record be verified by a designated 
casino representative. Section Sec.  1.6041-10(g)(3)(vii) of the 
proposed regulations requires that the designated individual provide a 
gaming license number. The final regulations do not require that a 
gaming license number be provided. Instead, Sec.  1.6041-10(g)(3)(vii) 
of the final regulations requires that the person authorized by the 
applicable gaming regulatory control authority to ensure accuracy in 
reporting provide his or her unique identification number.

Reporting Thresholds

    The proposed rules maintained the reporting thresholds of $1,200 
for bingo and slot machine play and $1,500 for keno in Sec.  7.6041-
1(a), but invited comments on the feasibility of reducing these 
thresholds. Commentators overwhelmingly opposed the idea of reducing 
these reporting thresholds. Payors opposed lowering the thresholds 
because it would result in more reporting, which would increase 
compliance burdens for the industry. In fact, many commentators 
suggested that rather than reducing the current thresholds, they should 
be increased to account for inflation. These final regulations do not 
change the existing reporting thresholds for bingo, keno, and slot 
machine play.

Netting Wagers

    The proposed regulations retain the rules in Sec.  7.6041-1(b) 
that, in determining whether the reporting threshold is satisfied, the 
amount of winnings from bingo and slot machine play is not reduced by 
the amount of the wager, but the amount of winnings from one keno game 
is reduced by the amount of the wager in that one game. Commentators 
were divided as to whether uniform application of netting the wager 
against the winnings was feasible, citing compliance cost and labor 
concerns. In light of these concerns, the Treasury Department and the 
IRS conclude that the existing approach, as described in the proposed 
regulations, should be retained. Accordingly, Sec.  1.6041-10(b)(1)(i) 
of the final regulations provides that reportable gambling winnings in 
the case of bingo and slot machine play are not determined by netting 
the wager against the winnings, but reportable gambling winnings in the 
case of keno are determined by netting the wager in that one game 
against the winnings from that game.

Definition of Slot Machine and Reportable Gambling Winnings

    For purposes of information reporting, proposed Sec.  1.6041-
10(b)(4) defines a slot machine as a device that, by application of the 
element of chance, may deliver or entitle the person playing or 
operating the device to receive cash, premiums, merchandise, or tokens, 
whether or not the device is operated by inserting a coin, token, or 
similar object. One commentator suggested that the definition of slot 
machines be changed to adopt either of the definitions that has been 
adopted by the states of New Jersey or Nevada, both of which define 
slot machines more broadly. Other commentators suggested that the 
definition of slot machine in the proposed regulations is too broad 
because it could include technologic aids to Class II gaming as defined 
under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, 25 U.S.C. 2701-2721, such as 
electronic bingo or electronic pull-tabs.
    As discussed in the preamble of the proposed regulations, the 
definition of slot machine in proposed Sec.  1.6041-10(b)(4) is 
intended to be consistent with the definition of slot machine in Sec.  
44.4402-1(b)(1) of the Wagering Tax Regulations. Having consistent 
definitions benefits tax administration and may prevent unintended 
confusion that could arise from having different definitions for 
federal tax purposes. Because the Treasury Department and the IRS 
conclude that, on balance, the proposed definition of slot machine is 
the most appropriate definition, the final regulations adopt the 
proposed definition of the term ``slot machine'' without modification.
    Section 1.6041-10(b)(2)(i) of the proposed regulations provides 
that all winnings from all cards played during one bingo game are 
combined and that all winnings from all ``ways'' on a multi-way keno 
ticket are combined. In addition, Sec.  1.6041-10(b)(2)(ii) of the 
proposed regulations provides that winnings from different types of 
games are not combined to determine whether the reporting thresholds 
are satisfied, and that bingo, keno, and slot machine play are all 
different types of games. Commentators did not oppose inclusion of 
these rules in the definition of reportable gambling winnings in the 
proposed regulations. Accordingly, the final regulations adopt these 
aspects of the definition of reportable gambling winnings without 
modification.

Special Analyses

    Certain IRS regulations, including this one, are exempt from the 
requirements of Executive Order 12866, as supplemented by Executive 
Order 13563. Therefore, a regulatory assessment is not required.
    It is hereby certified that this rule will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This 
certification is based on the fact that this rule merely provides 
guidance as to the filing of information reporting returns for payors 
who make reportable payments of bingo, keno, or slot machine winnings 
and who are required by section 6041 to make returns reporting those 
payments. The requirement for payors to make information returns is 
imposed by statute and not these regulations. In addition, this rule 
reduces the existing burden on payors to comply with the statutory 
requirement by simplifying the process for payors to verify payees' 
identities with a broader range of documents that are more readily 
available, and also by allowing payors to reduce the number of 
information returns they issue if they adopt the new aggregate 
reporting methodology. Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis 
under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. Chapter 6) is not 
required.
    Pursuant to section 7805(f) of the Internal Revenue Code, the 
notice of proposed rulemaking preceding these regulations was submitted 
to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration 
for comment on the regulations' impact on small

[[Page 96377]]

businesses, and no comments were received.

Drafting Information

    The principal author of these regulations is David Bergman of the 
Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure & Administration).

List of Subjects

26 CFR Part 1

    Income taxes, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

26 CFR Part 7

    Temporary income tax regulations under the Tax Reform Act of 1976.

26 CFR Part 31

    Employment Taxes and Collection of Income Tax at Source.

Adoption of Amendments to the Regulations

    Accordingly, 26 CFR parts 1, 7, and 31 are amended as follows:

PART 1--INCOME TAXES

0
Paragraph 1. The authority citation for part 1 continues to read in 
part as follows:

    Authority:  26 U.S.C. 7805 * * *

0
Par. 2. Section 1.6041-10 is added to read as follows:


Sec.  1.6041-10   Return of information as to payments of winnings from 
bingo, keno, and slot machine play.

    (a) In general. Every person engaged in a trade or business (as 
defined in Sec.  1.6041-1(b)) and who, in the course of such trade or 
business, makes a payment of reportable gambling winnings (defined in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section) must make an information return with 
respect to such payment. Unless the provisions of paragraph (g) of this 
section (regarding aggregate reporting) apply, a separate information 
return is required with respect to each payment of reportable gambling 
winnings.
    (b) Definitions--(1) Reportable gambling winnings. (i) For purposes 
of this section, the term reportable gambling winnings is defined as 
follows:
    (A) For bingo, the term ``reportable gambling winnings'' means 
winnings of $1,200 or more from one bingo game, without reduction for 
the amount wagered. All winnings received from all wagers made during 
one bingo game are combined (for example, all winnings from all cards 
played during one bingo game are combined).
    (B) For keno, the term ``reportable gambling winnings'' means 
winnings of $1,500 or more from one keno game reduced by the amount 
wagered on the same keno game. All winnings received from all wagers 
made during one keno game are combined (for example, all winnings from 
all ``ways'' on a multi-way keno ticket are combined).
    (C) For slot machine play, the term ``reportable gambling 
winnings'' means winnings of $1,200 or more from one slot machine play, 
without reduction for the amount wagered.
    (ii) Winnings and wagers from different types of games are not 
combined to determine if the reporting threshold is satisfied. Bingo, 
keno, and slot machine play are different types of games.
    (iii) Winnings include the fair market value of a payment in any 
medium other than cash.
    (iv) The amount wagered in the case of a free play is zero.
    (2) Information reporting period--(i) In general. For purposes of 
paragraph (g) of this section, the ``information reporting period'' 
begins when a patron places the first wager on a particular type of 
game at a gaming establishment, as defined in paragraph (b)(2)(iv) of 
this section, and ends when the patron places his or her last wager on 
the same type of game at the same gaming establishment before the end 
of the ``information reporting period.'' An information reporting 
period is a 24-hour period. A payor may select a calendar day (as 
defined in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section) or a gaming day (as 
defined in paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of this section) as the information 
reporting period for purposes of the aggregate reporting method in 
paragraph (g) of this section. For purposes of this paragraph (b)(2), 
time is determined by the time zone of the location where the patron 
places the wager. A payor must use the same information reporting 
period (a calendar day or gaming day) to report all ``reportable 
gambling winnings'' paid during the calendar year. Once selected, a 
payor may not change its information reporting period during a calendar 
year. Any changes to a payor's information reporting period from one 
calendar year to another must be implemented on January 1.
    (ii) Calendar day. A calendar day is determined with reference to a 
period beginning at 12 a.m. and ending no later than 11:59 p.m. of the 
same calendar day.
    (iii) Gaming day--(A) In general. A gaming day is a 24-hour period 
other than a calendar day (as defined in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this 
section) selected by the payor, subject to the special rules for 
December 31 and January 1 in paragraphs (b)(2)(iii)(B) and (C) of this 
section.
    (B) Special rule for December 31. For purposes of paragraph 
(b)(2)(iii) of this section, the gaming day that begins on December 31 
of any calendar year ends at 11:59 p.m. on December 31, regardless of 
the time on December 31 on which that gaming day began.
    (C) Special rule for January 1. For purposes of paragraph 
(b)(2)(iii) of this section, the gaming day of January 1 begins at 
12:00 a.m. on January 1, regardless of the time and calendar day on 
which that gaming day ends, and may extend beyond 24 hours.
    (iv) Gaming establishment. For purposes of this section, a gaming 
establishment is a business entity of a payor of reportable gambling 
winnings with respect to bingo, keno, or slot machine play, and 
includes all gaming establishments owned by such payor using the same 
employer identification number (EIN) issued to such payor in accordance 
with section 6109.
    (v) Examples. The following examples illustrate the provisions of 
paragraph (b)(2) of this section.

    Example 1.  Casino R uses the aggregate reporting method under 
paragraph (g) of this section to report certain reportable gambling 
winnings. For other regulatory purposes, Casino R uses a gaming day 
that begins at 3 a.m. and ends at 2:59 a.m. the following calendar 
day. Casino R chooses to use its gaming day as its information 
reporting period for purposes of paragraph (b)(2) of this section 
during Year 1. Accordingly, the information reporting period for 
purposes of paragraph (g) of this section for each day during Year 1 
begins at 3 a.m. and ends at 2:59 a.m. the following day. The 
information reporting period for December 31 of Year 1 begins at 3 
a.m. on December 31 of Year 1 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on December 31 
of Year 1. The information reporting period for January 1 of Year 2 
begins at 12 a.m. on January 1 of Year 2 and ends at 2:59 a.m. on 
January 2 of Year 2.
    Example 2.  The facts are the same as Example 1, except Casino R 
uses a calendar day as its information reporting period for purposes 
of paragraph (b)(2) of this section during Year 1. Accordingly, the 
information reporting period for purpose of paragraph (g) of this 
section for each day during Year 1 begins at 12 a.m. and ends at 
11:59 p.m. on the same day.
    Example 3.  Casino R uses the aggregate reporting method under 
paragraph (g) of this section to report certain reportable gambling 
winnings. For other regulatory purposes, Casino R uses a gaming day 
that begins at 9:00 p.m. and ends at 8:59 p.m. the following 
calendar day. Casino R chooses to use its gaming day as its 
information reporting period for purposes of paragraph (b)(2) of 
this section during Year 1. Accordingly, the information reporting 
period for purposes of paragraph (g) of this section for each day 
during Year 1 begins at 9:00 p.m. and ends at 8:59 p.m. the 
following day. The

[[Page 96378]]

information reporting period for December 31 of Year 1 begins at 
9:00 p.m. on December 30 and ends at 8:59 p.m. on December 31. A 
second information reporting period for December 31 then begins at 
9:00 p.m. on December 31 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on December 31. The 
information reporting period for January 1 of Year 2 begins at 12:00 
a.m. on January 1 and ends at 8:59 p.m. on January 1 of Year 2.
    Example 4.  Casino R uses the aggregate reporting method under 
paragraph (g) of this section to report certain reportable gambling 
winnings. In Year 1, Casino R chooses to use a ``gaming day'' that 
begins at 3 a.m. and ends at 2:59 a.m. the following day as its 
information reporting period. During the course of Year 1, Casino R 
decides that it would like to change its information reporting 
period to instead begin at 5 a.m. and end at 4:59 a.m. the following 
day. Casino R must wait until January 1 of Year 2 to implement such 
a change. On January 1 of Year 2, Casino R's information reporting 
period will begin at 12 a.m. and end at 4:59 a.m. on January 2. On 
December 31 of Year 2, Casino R's information reporting period will 
begin at 5 a.m. and end at 11:59 p.m.

    (3) Slot machine. The term ``slot machine'' means a device that, by 
application of the element of chance, may deliver, or entitle the 
person playing or operating the device to receive cash, premiums, 
merchandise, or tokens whether or not the device is operated by 
insertion of a coin, token, or similar object.
    (c) Prescribed form; time and place for filing the return. The 
return described in paragraph (a) of this section is a Form W-2G, 
``Certain Gambling Winnings.'' The Form W-2G must be filed with the 
appropriate Internal Revenue Service location designated in the 
instructions to the form on or before February 28 (March 31, if filed 
electronically) of the year following the calendar year in which the 
reportable gambling winnings were paid. See section 6011 and Sec.  
1.6011-2 for requirements to file electronically.
    (d) Information included on the return--(1) In general. Each return 
required by paragraph (a) of this section must contain:
    (i) The name, address, and taxpayer identification number of the 
payor;
    (ii) The name, address, and taxpayer identification number of the 
payee;
    (iii) A general description of the two types of identification (as 
described in paragraph (e) of this section), one of which must have the 
payee's photograph on it (except in the case of tribal member 
identification cards in certain circumstances as described in paragraph 
(d)(2) of this section) that the payor relied on to verify the payee's 
name, address, and taxpayer identification number;
    (iv) The date and amount of payment;
    (v) The type of wagering transaction (bingo, keno, or slot machine 
play);
    (vi) In the case of a bingo or keno game, any number, color, or 
other designation assigned to the game for which the payment is made;
    (vii) In the case of slot machine play, the identification number 
of the slot machine(s) (for example, location and asset number);
    (viii) Any other information required by the forms, instructions, 
revenue procedures, or other applicable guidance published in the 
Internal Revenue Bulletin.
    (2) Special rule for tribal member identification cards. A tribal 
member identification card need not contain the payee's photograph to 
meet the identification requirement described in paragraph (d)(1)(iii) 
of this section if:
    (i) The payee is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe;
    (ii) The payee presents the payor with a tribal member 
identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe 
stating that the payee is a member of such tribe; and
    (iii) The payor is a gaming establishment (as described in 
paragraph (b)(2)(iv) of this section) owned or licensed (in accordance 
with 25 U.S.C. 2710) by the tribal government that issued the tribal 
member identification card referred to in (d)(2)(ii).
    (3) Special rule for optional aggregate reporting method. In the 
case of aggregate reporting under paragraph (g) of this section, the 
amount of the payment in paragraph (d)(1)(iv) of this section is the 
aggregate amount of payments of reportable gambling winnings from the 
same type of game (bingo, keno, or slot machine play) made to the same 
payee during the same information reporting period (as defined in 
paragraph (b)(2) of this section). Unless otherwise provided in forms, 
instructions, or other guidance, in the case of aggregate reporting 
under paragraph (g) of this section, the information required by 
paragraphs (d)(1)(v) through (viii) of this section must be maintained 
by the payor as described in paragraph (g)(3) of this section.
    (e) Identification. The following items are treated as 
identification for purposes of paragraph (d)(1)(iii) of this section--
    (1) Government-issued identification (for example, a driver's 
license, passport, social security card, military identification card, 
tribal member identification card issued by a federally recognized 
Indian tribe, or voter registration card) in the name of the payee; and
    (2) A Form W-9, ``Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and 
Certification,'' signed by the payee, that includes the payee's name, 
address, taxpayer identification number, and other information required 
by the form. A Form W-9 is not acceptable for this purpose if the payee 
has modified the form (other than pursuant to instructions to the form) 
or if the payee has deleted the jurat or other similar provisions by 
which the payee certifies or affirms the correctness of the statements 
contained on the form.
    (f) Furnishing a statement to the payee. Every payor required to 
make a return under paragraph (a) of this section must also make and 
furnish to each payee, with respect to each payment of reportable 
gambling winnings, a written statement that contains the information 
that is required to be included on the return under paragraph (d) of 
this section. The payor must furnish the statement to the payee on or 
before January 31st of the year following the calendar year in which 
payment of the reportable gambling winnings is made. The statement will 
be considered furnished to the payee if it is provided to the payee at 
the time of payment or if it is mailed to the payee on or before 
January 31st of the year following the calendar year in which payment 
was made.
    (g) Aggregate reporting of bingo, keno, and slot machine winnings--
(1) In general. In lieu of filing a separate information return for 
each payment of reportable gambling winnings as required by paragraph 
(a) of this section, a payor may use the aggregate reporting method 
(defined in paragraph (g)(2) of this section) to report reportable 
gambling winnings from bingo, keno, or slot machine play. A payor using 
the aggregate reporting method to file information returns under 
paragraph (a) of this section must also furnish statements to the payee 
under paragraph (f) of this section using the aggregate reporting 
method.
    (2) Aggregate reporting method defined. (i) The aggregate reporting 
method is a method of reporting more than one payment of reportable 
gambling winnings from the same type of game (bingo, keno, or slot 
machine play) made to the same payee during the same information 
reporting period (as defined in this paragraph (b)(2) of this section) 
on one information return or statement.
    (ii) A payor may use the aggregate reporting method for payments to 
some payees and not others, at its own discretion. In addition, with 
respect to a single payee, the payor may use the aggregate reporting 
method to report

[[Page 96379]]

winnings from one type of game, but not for winnings from another type 
of game.
    (iii) Failure to report some reportable gambling winnings from a 
particular type of game during one information reporting period to a 
particular payee under the aggregate reporting method (for whatever 
reason, including because the winnings are not permitted to be reported 
using the aggregate reporting method under paragraph (g)(4) of this 
section) will not disqualify the payor from using the aggregate 
reporting method to report other reportable gambling winnings from that 
type of game during that information reporting period to that payee. 
The payor may stop using the aggregate reporting method for a 
particular payee or for all payees before the end of the payor's 
information reporting period for any reason.
    (3) Recordkeeping under the aggregate reporting method. A payor 
using the aggregate reporting method must maintain a record of every 
payment of reportable gambling winnings from the same type of game made 
to the same payee during the information reporting period that will be 
reported using the aggregate reporting method. Every individual that 
the payor has determined is responsible for an entry in the record must 
confirm the information in the entry by signing the record in a manner 
that will enable the signature to be associated with the relevant 
entry. Each payment of a reportable gambling winning made to the same 
payee and reported under the aggregate reporting method must have its 
own entry in the record, however, the information required by 
paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (iii) of this section is not required to 
be recorded more than one time per information reporting period. A 
payor that uses the aggregate reporting method must retain a copy of 
the record in its files. The record (which may be electronic provided 
the requirements set forth in forms, instructions, or guidance 
published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin are met) must include the 
following information about each payment:
    (i) The payee's signature confirming the information in the record;
    (ii) The information required under paragraph (d) of this section;
    (iii) The time of the win resulting in the reportable gambling 
winnings;
    (iv) The total amount of reportable gambling winnings with respect 
to all payments to the payee during the information reporting period;
    (v) The amount of reportable gambling winnings with respect to each 
particular payment;
    (vi) The method of payment to the payee (for example, cash, check, 
voucher, credit, token, or chips); and
    (vii) The name and unique identification number of the individual 
who the payor has determined is responsible for ensuring that the entry 
with respect to the reportable gambling winnings (including the general 
description of two types of identification used to verify the payee's 
name, address, and taxpayer identification number) is complete and 
accurate and who is authorized to perform that function by the 
applicable gaming regulatory control authority. Such individual may or 
may not be the same individual who prepared the entry.
    (4) When the aggregate reporting method may not be used. A payor 
cannot use the aggregate reporting method if--
    (i) The payment is to a foreign person, as described in section 
1.6041-10(h);
    (ii) The payor knows or has reason to know that the person making 
the wager is not the person entitled to the winnings or is not the only 
person entitled to the winnings (regardless of whether the person 
making the wager furnishes a Form 5754, ``Statement by Person(s) 
Receiving Gambling Winnings''); or
    (iii) Backup withholding under section 3406(a) applies to the 
payment.
    (5) Examples. The following examples illustrate the provisions of 
this section. For each example, assume that for purposes of the 
aggregate reporting method in paragraph (g) of this section, Casino R's 
``information reporting period'' for all calendar years is a gaming day 
that begins at 3 a.m. and ends at 2:59 a.m. the following day (except 
for January 1 and December 31) and that individuals C, D, and E are 
U.S. persons.

    Example 1.  On Day 1, between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., C places five 
wagers at casino R on five different slot machines. The first two 
wagers result in no win. The third wager results in a $1,500 win. 
The fourth wager results in a $2,500 win. The fifth wager results in 
an $800 win:
    (i) Under paragraph (b)(1)(i)(C) of this section, there are 
reportable gambling winnings from the slot machine play of $4,000 
($1,500 + $2,500). The $800 win is not a reportable gambling winning 
from slot machine play because it does not equal or exceed the 
$1,200 threshold.
    (ii) Because all of the amounts were won on the same type of 
game (even though each of the winnings occurred on different 
machines) during the same information reporting period, R is 
permitted to use the aggregate reporting method under this paragraph 
(g). If R decides not to use the aggregate reporting method, a 
separate Form W-2G would have to be filed and furnished for the 
payment of reportable gambling winnings of $1,500 and for the 
payment of reportable gambling winnings of $2,500. However, if R 
decides to use the aggregate reporting method, R may report total 
reportable gambling winnings from slot machine play of $4,000 
($1,500 + $2,500) on one Form W-2G.
    Example 2.  Assume the same facts as Example 1, except that in 
addition to the winnings described in Example 1, at 5 a.m. on Day 2, 
C wins $3,250 from one slot machine play at casino R. Even though C 
played the same type of game (slot machine play) on Day 1 and Day 2, 
under paragraph (b)(2) of this section, the win at 5 a.m. on Day 2 
is a win during a separate information reporting period. Under 
paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this section, the $3,250 of reportable 
gambling winnings on Day 2 cannot be aggregated with the reportable 
gambling winnings of $4,000 from Day 1 on a single Form W-2G. 
Accordingly, if R uses the aggregate reporting method, R must file 
two Forms W-2G with respect to C's reportable gambling winnings on 
Day 1 and Day 2. R must report $4,000 of reportable gambling 
winnings from slot machine play paid to C on Day 1 on the first Form 
W-2G, and $3,250 of reportable gambling winnings from slot machine 
play paid to C on Day 2 on the second Form W-2G.
    Example 3.  On December 31 of Year 1 at 4:00 p.m., C wins 
$10,000 from one slot machine play at casino R. At 12:30 a.m. on 
January 1 of Year 2, C wins $4,000 from one slot machine play at 
casino R. Under paragraphs (b)(2)(iii)(B) and (C) of this section, 
the win at 4 p.m. on December 31 of Year 1 and the win at 12:30 a.m. 
on January 1 of Year 2 are wins during different information 
reporting periods. Under paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this section, the 
$4,000 of reportable gambling winnings on January 1 cannot be 
aggregated with the reportable gambling winnings of $10,000 from 
December 31 on a single Form W-2G. Accordingly, if R uses the 
aggregate reporting method, R must file two Forms W-2G with respect 
to C's reportable gambling winnings on Day 1 and Day 2. R must 
report $10,000 of reportable gambling winnings from slot machine 
play paid to C on December 31 on the first Form W-2G and $4,000 of 
reportable gambling winnings from slot machine play paid to C on 
January 1 on the second Form W-2G.
    Example 4.  Assume the same facts as example 3, except that C 
also wins $5,000 from one slot machine play at 3:30 p.m. on January 
1 and $7,000 from one slot machine play at 1:30 a.m. on January 2. 
Under the special rule of paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of this section, the 
``information reporting period'' begins at 12:00 a.m. on January 1 
and extends until the start of the next information reporting 
period, in this case 2:59 a.m. on January 2. Under paragraph 
(b)(1)(C) of this section, Casino R will pay C a total of $26,000 
($10,000 + $4,000 + $5,000 + $7,000) in reportable gambling 
winnings; however, $10,000 must be reported in Year 1, and $16,000 
must be reported in Year 2. Because all of the amounts won in Year 2 
were won on the same type of game and during the

[[Page 96380]]

same information reporting period, R is permitted to use the 
aggregate reporting method under this paragraph (g). If R decides to 
use the aggregate reporting method, R may report $10,000 of 
reportable gambling winnings from slot machine play paid to C on 
December 31 on the first Form W-2G and $16,000 of total reportable 
gambling winnings from slot machine play paid to C on January 1 on 
the second Form W-2G.
    Example 5.  At 2 p.m. on Day 1, D won $2,000 (after reducing the 
amount of the win by the amount wagered) playing one keno game at 
casino R. D provides R with his driver's license. The driver's 
license has D's photograph on it, as well as D's name and address. 
The driver's license does not include D's social security number. D 
cannot remember his social security number and has no other 
identification at the time with his social security number on it. D 
does not provide R with his social security number before R pays the 
winnings to D. Because D cannot remember his social security number, 
D cannot complete and sign a Form W-9. R deducts and withholds $560 
(28 percent of $2,000) under the backup withholding provisions of 
section 3406(a) and pays the remaining $1,440 in winnings to D. D 
returns to casino R and at 6 p.m. on Day 1 wins $1,500 (after 
reducing the amount of the win by the amount wagered) in one keno 
game. D provides R with his driver's license as well as D's social 
security card. R generally uses the aggregate reporting method and 
in all cases where it is used, R complies with the requirements of 
this paragraph (g). At 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Day 1, D wins an 
additional $1,800 and $1,700 (after reducing the amount of the win 
by the amount wagered), respectively, from two different keno games. 
For each of these two wins, an employee of R obtains the information 
from D required by this paragraph (g):
    (i) Under paragraph (b)(1)(i)(B) of this section, each of D's 
wins from the four games of keno on Day 1 ($2,000, $1,500, $1,800, 
and $1,700) are reportable gambling winnings. Because D's first win 
on Day 1 was at 2 p.m. and D's last win on Day 1 was at 10 p.m., all 
of D's reportable gambling winnings from keno are won during the 
same information reporting period. Because R satisfies the 
requirements of paragraph (g)(2)(i), R may use the aggregate 
reporting method to report D's reportable gambling winnings from 
keno. However, pursuant to paragraph (g)(4)(iii) of this section, 
the $2,000 payment made to D at 2 p.m. cannot be reported under the 
aggregate reporting method because that payment was subject to 
backup withholding. Accordingly, if R uses the aggregate reporting 
method under this paragraph (g), R will have to file two Forms W-2G 
with respect to D's reportable gambling winnings from keno on Day 1. 
On the first Form W-2G, R will report $2,000 of reportable gambling 
winnings and $560 of backup withholding with respect to the 2 p.m. 
win from keno, and, on the second Form W-2G, R will report $5,000 of 
reportable gambling winnings from keno (representing the three 
payments of $1,500, $1,800, and $1,700 that D won between 6 p.m. and 
10 p.m. on Day 1).
    Example 6.  In one information reporting period on Day 1, E won 
five reportable gambling winnings from five different bingo games at 
a casino R. R generally uses the aggregate reporting method and in 
all cases where it is used, R complies with the requirements of this 
paragraph (g). Although E signed the entry in the record R maintains 
for payment of the first four reportable gambling winnings, E 
refuses to sign the entry in the record for the fifth payment of 
reportable gambling winnings. R may use the aggregate reporting 
method for the first four payments of reportable gambling winnings 
to E. However, because the entry in the record for the fifth payment 
of reportable gambling winnings does not include E's signature, as 
required by paragraph (g)(3)(i) of this section, that payment may 
not be reported under the aggregate reporting method. Accordingly, 
if R uses the aggregate reporting method under paragraph (g) of this 
section, R must prepare two Forms W-2G as follows: On the first Form 
W-2G, R must report the first four payments of reportable gambling 
winnings from bingo made to E on Day 1. On the second Form W-2G, R 
must report the fifth payment of reportable gambling winnings from 
bingo made to E on Day 1.

    (h) Payments to foreign persons. See Sec.  1.6041-4 regarding 
payments to foreign persons. See Sec.  1.6049-5(d) for determining 
whether the payee is a foreign person.
    (i) Effective/applicability date. Section 1.6041-10(b)(2), 
concerning payor-selected ``information reporting periods,'' applies to 
payments of reportable gambling winnings from bingo, keno, or slot 
machine play made on or after January 1 of the year following the date 
these regulations are published in the Federal Register. All other 
sections contained herein apply to payments of reportable gambling 
winnings from bingo, keno, or slot machine play made on or after 
December 30, 2016.
    (j) Cross-references for certain gambling winnings. For provisions 
relating to backup withholding for winnings from bingo, keno, and slot 
machine play and other reportable gambling winnings, see Sec.  
31.3406(g)-2(d). For provisions relating to withholding and reporting 
for gambling winnings from lotteries, sweepstakes, wagering pools, and 
other wagering transactions, including a wagering transaction in a 
parimutuel pool with respect to horse races, dog races, or jai alai, 
see Sec.  31.3402(q)-1.

PART 7--TEMPORARY INCOME TAX REGULATIONS UNDER THE TAX REFORM ACT 
OF 1976

0
Par. 3. The authority citation for part 7 continues to read in part as 
follows:

    Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * *


Sec.  7.6041-1   [Removed]

0
Par. 4. Section 7.6041-1 is removed.

PART 31--EMPLOYMENT TAXES AND COLLECTION OF INCOME TAX AT SOURCE

0
Par. 5. The authority citation for part 31 continues to read in part as 
follows:


    Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * *


Sec.  31.3406(g)-2   [Amended]

0
Par. 6. In Sec.  31.3406(g)-2, paragraph (d)(3) is amended by removing 
the citation ``Sec.  7.6041-1'' and adding the citation ``Sec.  1.6041-
10'' in its place.
* * * * *

John Dalrymple,
Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement.
    Approved: December 13, 2016.
Mark J. Mazur,
Assistant Secretary of the Treasury (Tax Policy).
[FR Doc. 2016-31575 Filed 12-29-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4830-01-P



                                              96374            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 251 / Friday, December 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                (v) Labeling must include the                         regarding the filing of information                   horse races, dog races, and jai alai are
                                              following:                                              returns to report winnings from bingo,                being considered in a separate
                                                (A) A clear description of the                        keno, and slot machine play. The rules                regulations project under section
                                              technological features of the device                    update the existing requirements                      3402(q).
                                              including identification of device                      regarding the filing, form, and content of            Filing Requirement, Form, and Content
                                              materials and the principles of device                  such information returns; allow for an                of the Information Return
                                              operation;                                              additional form of payee identification;
                                                (B) Intended use and indications for                  and provide an optional aggregate                        Commentators supported the
                                              use, including levels of fixation;                      reporting method. The final regulations               proposed rules regarding filing
                                                (C) Identification of magnetic                        affect persons who pay winnings of                    requirements and the form and content
                                              resonance (MR) compatibility status;                    $1,200 or more from bingo and slot                    of the information returns required to be
                                                (D) Cleaning and sterilization                        machine play, $1,500 or more from                     filed. Accordingly, the Treasury
                                              instructions for devices and instruments                keno, and recipients of such payments.                Department and the IRS conclude that
                                              that are provided non-sterile to the end                                                                      the final regulations should adopt the
                                                                                                      DATES: These regulations are effective
                                              user; and                                                                                                     filing requirements without
                                                                                                      on December 30, 2016.
                                                (E) Detailed instructions of each                                                                           modification.
                                                                                                      FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                              surgical step, including device removal.                David Bergman, (202) 317–6845 (not a                  Electronically Tracked Slot Machine
                                                (3) Class II (special controls), when a               toll-free number).                                    Play
                                              semi-rigid system is intended to provide
                                                                                                      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                               The proposed regulations created
                                              immobilization and stabilization of
                                                                                                                                                            rules for electronically tracked slot
                                              spinal segments in the thoracic, lumbar,                Background                                            machine play, which was defined in
                                              and sacral spine as an adjunct to fusion                  This document contains final                        proposed § 1.6041–10(b)(1) as slot
                                              for any indication. In addition to                      regulations in Title 26 of the Code of                machine play where an electronic
                                              complying with the special controls in                  Federal Regulations under section 6041                player system controlled by the gaming
                                              paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (v) of this                of the Internal Revenue Code. The final               establishment (such as through the use
                                              section, these pedicle screw systems                    regulations replace the existing                      of a player’s card or similar system)
                                              must comply with the following special                  information reporting requirements                    records the amount a specific individual
                                              controls:                                               under § 7.6041–1 of the Temporary                     wins and wagers on slot machine play.
                                                (i) Demonstration that clinical                       Income Tax Regulations under the Tax                  Section 1.6041–10(b)(2)(i)(D) of the
                                              performance characteristics of the                      Reform Act of 1976 for persons who                    proposed regulations provided that
                                              device support the intended use of the                  make reportable payments of bingo,                    gambling winnings for electronically
                                              product, including assessment of fusion                 keno, or slot machine winnings. The                   tracked slot machine play are required
                                              compared to a clinically acceptable                     new requirements are set forth in a new               to be reported if (1) the total amount of
                                              fusion rate.                                            § 1.6041–10 of the regulations. Because               winnings netted against the total
                                                (ii) Semi-rigid systems marketed prior                the new requirements replace the                      amount of wagers during the same
                                              to the effective date of this                           existing requirements, the regulations                session of play was $1,200 or more, and
                                              reclassification must submit an                         under § 7.6041–1 are being removed.                   (2) at least one single win during the
                                              amendment to their previously cleared                     On March 4, 2015, the Treasury                      session was $1,200 or more without
                                              premarket notification (510(k))                         Department and the IRS published a                    regard to the wager. A ‘‘session’’ of play
                                              demonstrating compliance with the                       notice of proposed rulemaking (REG–                   was determined with reference to a
                                              special controls in paragraphs (b)(2)(i)                132253–11) in the Federal Register, 80                calendar day. The changes were
                                              through (v) and paragraph (b)(3)(i) of                  FR 11600, containing proposed                         intended to facilitate reporting by
                                              this section.                                           regulations that would update the                     payees on their individual income tax
                                                Dated: December 22, 2016.                             existing rules and add rules for                      returns under the proposed safe harbor
                                              Leslie Kux,                                             electronically tracked slot machine play,             in Notice 2015–21, 2015–12 I.R.B. 765.
                                              Associate Commissioner for Policy.                      payee identification, and an optional                    Some commentators expressed
                                              [FR Doc. 2016–31670 Filed 12–29–16; 8:45 am]            aggregate reporting method.                           concern regarding the feasibility of the
                                                                                                        A public hearing was held on June 17,               proposed rules given existing
                                              BILLING CODE 4164–01–P
                                                                                                      2015, and five speakers provided                      technology and recommended that the
                                                                                                      testimony. In addition, over 14,000                   proposed rules not be adopted.
                                                                                                      written public comments were received.                Commentators stated that one of the
                                              DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY                                  After careful consideration of the                    purposes of electronic player systems
                                                                                                      written comments and statements made                  was for marketing and customer loyalty
                                              Internal Revenue Service
                                                                                                      during the hearing, the proposed                      and that current systems should not be
                                                                                                      regulations are adopted as modified by                used as a mandatory method for
                                              26 CFR Parts 1, 7, and 31
                                                                                                      this Treasury Decision.                               tracking winnings and wagers for
                                              [TD 9807]                                                                                                     purposes of tax reporting. Moreover,
                                                                                                      Explanation and Summary of                            commentators stated that the use of
                                              RIN 1545–BL68                                           Comments                                              electronic player systems for tax
                                                                                                         All of the 14,000 written comments                 reporting may chill customer use and
                                              Information Returns; Winnings From
                                                                                                      on the notice of proposed rulemaking                  have a negative effect on customer
                                              Bingo, Keno, and Slot Machines
srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                                                                      were considered and are available at                  relations. In addition, some
                                              AGENCY:  Internal Revenue Service (IRS),                regulations.gov or upon request. Many                 commentators stated that their
                                              Treasury.                                               of these comments addressed similar                   electronic player systems lack the
                                              ACTION: Final regulations.                              issues and expressed similar points of                necessary controls to be used for tax
                                                                                                      view. These comments are summarized                   reporting, and that implementing such
                                              SUMMARY:  This document contains final                  in this preamble. Comments pertaining                 controls may be costly and labor-
                                              regulations under section 6041                          to parimutuel gambling in the case of                 intensive. Based on these comments, the


                                         VerDate Sep<11>2014   18:11 Dec 29, 2016   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00036   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\30DER1.SGM   30DER1


                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 251 / Friday, December 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                        96375

                                              final regulations do not adopt the                      Optional Aggregate Reporting Method                   during which reporting may be
                                              proposed rules for electronically tracked               and Session                                           aggregated is referred to as the
                                              slot machine play.                                         Section 1.6041–10(h) of the proposed               ‘‘information reporting period’’ rather
                                                                                                      regulations provides a new rule for an                than as a ‘‘session.’’
                                              Payee Identification Requirements                                                                                Second, commentators suggested that
                                                                                                      optional aggregate reporting method.
                                                 The proposed regulations retain the                                                                        rather than a calendar day, payors
                                                                                                      Under § 7.6041–1(a), reporting of
                                              rule in § 7.6041–1(c)(3) of the                                                                               should have the option of using the 24-
                                                                                                      gambling winnings from bingo, keno,
                                              Temporary Income Tax Regulations that                                                                         hour period known commonly in the
                                                                                                      and slot machine play is required each
                                              the payor must obtain two forms of                                                                            industry as the ‘‘gaming day’’ for
                                                                                                      time a payor makes a payment of
                                              identification from the payee to verify                                                                       purposes of the aggregate reporting
                                                                                                      reportable gambling winnings (i.e., a
                                              the payee’s identity. However, § 1.6041–                                                                      method. The comments explained that
                                                                                                      payment that meets the reporting
                                              10(f) of the proposed regulations                                                                             the period of a ‘‘gaming day’’ is used by
                                                                                                      threshold). The aggregate reporting
                                              modifies the rules for acceptable                                                                             gaming establishments for financial
                                                                                                      method allows a payor who makes more
                                              identification by requiring that one of                                                                       accounting, gaming control board, and
                                                                                                      than one payment of reportable
                                              the forms of identification include the                                                                       other regulatory purposes, and allows
                                                                                                      gambling winnings to the same payee                   each establishment the flexibility to
                                              payee’s photograph and by providing                     from the same type of game during a
                                              that the payor may accept a properly                                                                          define a day for these purposes by
                                                                                                      ‘‘session’’ to report the aggregate amount            taking into account peak gaming times.
                                              completed Form W–9 in lieu of                           of such reportable gambling winnings
                                              identification that includes the payee’s                                                                      The ‘‘gaming day’’ period is also
                                                                                                      on one Form W–2G, provided the payor                  utilized in complying with anti-money
                                              social security number. The proposed                    satisfies certain recordkeeping
                                              regulations provide that payors may rely                                                                      laundering reporting obligations.
                                                                                                      requirements set forth in the                         According to the comments, a gaming
                                              on this provision prior to publication of               regulations. Under § 1.6041–10(b)(3) of
                                              final regulations in the Federal Register.                                                                    day is a 24-hour period that ends at a
                                                                                                      the proposed regulations, a ‘‘session’’ is            time during which the gaming
                                                 Most commentators supported the                      generally defined as a period of play
                                              proposed rules regarding the types of                                                                         establishment is closed or when
                                                                                                      that begins when a patron places the                  business is slowest, typically between 3
                                              identification that can be relied on to                 first wager on a particular type of game
                                              verify a payee’s identity. In particular,                                                                     a.m. and 6 a.m. The comments indicate
                                                                                                      at a gaming establishment and ends                    that allowing payors to use the same
                                              commentators supported the provision                    when the patron places his or her last
                                              that allows a Form W–9 to be used as                                                                          period for purposes of information
                                                                                                      wager on the same type of game before                 reporting as for other regulatory
                                              an acceptable means of verifying a                      the end of the same calendar day at the
                                              payee’s identity in lieu of identification                                                                    purposes will enhance the benefits of
                                                                                                      same gaming establishment. This                       aggregate reporting for payors by not
                                              that includes the payee’s social security               aggregate reporting method may be used                having a different reporting period for
                                              number. This rule is consistent with                    at the payor’s option. The proposed                   tax reporting, and by allowing aggregate
                                              procedures currently used by many                       regulations provide that payors may rely              reports to be generated during non-peak
                                              payors to address the fact that, today,                 on this provision prior to publication of             gaming times.
                                              most forms of identification that payees                final regulations in the Federal Register.               To give payors more flexibility, the
                                              carry with them do not contain a social                    Commentators were generally                        final regulations adopt these suggestions
                                              security number.                                        supportive of the proposed optional                   and provide a flexible ‘‘information
                                                 Other commentators suggested that                    aggregate reporting method but did                    reporting period’’ as the period to be
                                              the list of examples of acceptable forms                suggest some changes. Accordingly, the                used for aggregate reporting. Under
                                              of government-issued identification be                  final regulations adopt the proposed                  § 1.6041–10(b)(2) of the final
                                              expanded to include tribal member                       optional aggregate reporting method                   regulations, an ‘‘information reporting
                                              identification cards issued by a federally              with some modifications.                              period’’ is either a ‘‘calendar day’’ or a
                                              recognized Indian tribe. Some                              First, the period for purposes of the              ‘‘gaming day,’’ so long as that period is
                                              commentators also suggested that an                     aggregate reporting method in the final               applied uniformly by the payor to all
                                              exception from the photo identification                 regulations is not referred to as a                   payees during the calendar year. A
                                              requirement be provided for tribal                      ‘‘session.’’ Rather, in § 1.6041–10(g) of             payor may adopt a different
                                              identification cards presented at tribal                the final regulations, the period used for            ‘‘information reporting period’’ from
                                              government gaming facilities because                    purposes of the aggregate reporting                   one calendar year to the next, but may
                                              many tribal identification cards do not                 method is now referred to as an                       not change the ‘‘information reporting
                                              contain photographs.                                    ‘‘information reporting period.’’ The                 period’’ in the middle of a calendar
                                                 In response to the comments received,                proposed regulations’ definition of a                 year. Changes to a payor’s ‘‘information
                                              the list of examples of acceptable                      ‘‘session’’ was intended to mirror the                reporting period’’ from one calendar
                                              government-issued identification has                    concept of ‘‘session’’ set forth in the safe          year to the next must be implemented
                                              been expanded in § 1.6041–10(e)(1) of                   harbor for the determination of wagering              on January 1. In addition, the final
                                              the final regulations to include tribal                 gains and losses from electronically                  regulations provide that on December
                                              member identification cards issued by a                 tracked slot machine play that was                    31st, all open information reporting
                                              federally recognized Indian tribe. In                   published in a Notice and draft Revenue               periods must end at 11:59 p.m. in order
                                              addition, in response to comments,                      Procedure on the same date as the                     to end by the end of the calendar year.
                                              § 1.6041–10(d)(2) of the final regulations              proposed regulations. Notice 2015–21.                 This rule is necessary to maintain
                                              provides an exception to the photo                      The Treasury Department and the IRS                   calendar year federal income tax
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                                              identification requirement if one of the                are still considering the income tax                  reporting that is the bedrock of the
                                              forms of identification is a tribal                     reporting rules in this area, and the draft           information reporting regime and that is
                                              identification card presented at a                      Revenue Procedure has not been                        required by section 6041. Section
                                              gaming establishment owned or                           finalized. Therefore, to avoid confusion,             1.6041–10(b)(2)(iii) of the final
                                              licensed by the tribal government that                  the aggregate reporting method rules in               regulations provides that if a ‘‘gaming
                                              issued the tribal member identification                 § 1.6041–10(g) of the final regulations               day’’ is adopted for a calendar year, the
                                              card.                                                   have been modified so that the period                 information reporting period for


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                                              96376            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 251 / Friday, December 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                              December 31st ends at 11:59 p.m. on                     Netting Wagers                                        proposed definition of slot machine is
                                              December 31, and the information                           The proposed regulations retain the                the most appropriate definition, the
                                              reporting period for January 1st begins                 rules in § 7.6041–1(b) that, in                       final regulations adopt the proposed
                                              at 12 a.m. on January 1, regardless of the              determining whether the reporting                     definition of the term ‘‘slot machine’’
                                              number of hours of the December 31st                    threshold is satisfied, the amount of                 without modification.
                                              and January 1st information reporting                   winnings from bingo and slot machine                     Section 1.6041–10(b)(2)(i) of the
                                              periods.                                                play is not reduced by the amount of the              proposed regulations provides that all
                                                 Third, commentators noted that the                   wager, but the amount of winnings from                winnings from all cards played during
                                              proposed regulations did not                            one keno game is reduced by the                       one bingo game are combined and that
                                              specifically define ‘‘gaming                            amount of the wager in that one game.                 all winnings from all ‘‘ways’’ on a multi-
                                              establishment,’’ and how to deal with                   Commentators were divided as to                       way keno ticket are combined. In
                                              common ownership between various                        whether uniform application of netting                addition, § 1.6041–10(b)(2)(ii) of the
                                              casinos. Section 1.6041–10(b)(2)(iv) of                 the wager against the winnings was                    proposed regulations provides that
                                              the final regulations defines the term                  feasible, citing compliance cost and                  winnings from different types of games
                                              ‘‘gaming establishment’’ as a business                  labor concerns. In light of these                     are not combined to determine whether
                                              entity of a payor of reportable gambling                concerns, the Treasury Department and                 the reporting thresholds are satisfied,
                                              winnings with respect to bingo, keno, or                the IRS conclude that the existing                    and that bingo, keno, and slot machine
                                              slot machine play, and includes all                     approach, as described in the proposed                play are all different types of games.
                                              gaming establishments owned by the                      regulations, should be retained.                      Commentators did not oppose inclusion
                                              payor using the same employer                           Accordingly, § 1.6041–10(b)(1)(i) of the              of these rules in the definition of
                                              identification number (EIN) issued to                   final regulations provides that                       reportable gambling winnings in the
                                              such payor in accordance with section                   reportable gambling winnings in the                   proposed regulations. Accordingly, the
                                              6109.                                                   case of bingo and slot machine play are               final regulations adopt these aspects of
                                                 Finally, commentators requested that                 not determined by netting the wager                   the definition of reportable gambling
                                              the proposed recordkeeping                              against the winnings, but reportable                  winnings without modification.
                                              requirements with respect to aggregate                  gambling winnings in the case of keno                 Special Analyses
                                              reporting be updated to reflect the                     are determined by netting the wager in
                                              actual credentials held by various                      that one game against the winnings from                 Certain IRS regulations, including this
                                              casino representatives. These                           that game.                                            one, are exempt from the requirements
                                              recordkeeping requirements require that                                                                       of Executive Order 12866, as
                                              payors maintain a record of every                       Definition of Slot Machine and                        supplemented by Executive Order
                                              payment that will be reported using the                 Reportable Gambling Winnings                          13563. Therefore, a regulatory
                                              aggregate reporting method and that                       For purposes of information reporting,              assessment is not required.
                                              each entry in the record be verified by                 proposed § 1.6041–10(b)(4) defines a                    It is hereby certified that this rule will
                                              a designated casino representative.                     slot machine as a device that, by                     not have a significant economic impact
                                              Section § 1.6041–10(g)(3)(vii) of the                   application of the element of chance,                 on a substantial number of small
                                              proposed regulations requires that the                  may deliver or entitle the person                     entities. This certification is based on
                                              designated individual provide a gaming                  playing or operating the device to                    the fact that this rule merely provides
                                              license number. The final regulations do                receive cash, premiums, merchandise,                  guidance as to the filing of information
                                              not require that a gaming license                       or tokens, whether or not the device is               reporting returns for payors who make
                                              number be provided. Instead, § 1.6041–                  operated by inserting a coin, token, or               reportable payments of bingo, keno, or
                                              10(g)(3)(vii) of the final regulations                  similar object. One commentator                       slot machine winnings and who are
                                              requires that the person authorized by                  suggested that the definition of slot                 required by section 6041 to make
                                              the applicable gaming regulatory control                machines be changed to adopt either of                returns reporting those payments. The
                                              authority to ensure accuracy in                         the definitions that has been adopted by              requirement for payors to make
                                              reporting provide his or her unique                     the states of New Jersey or Nevada, both              information returns is imposed by
                                              identification number.                                  of which define slot machines more                    statute and not these regulations. In
                                                                                                      broadly. Other commentators suggested                 addition, this rule reduces the existing
                                              Reporting Thresholds                                                                                          burden on payors to comply with the
                                                                                                      that the definition of slot machine in the
                                                The proposed rules maintained the                     proposed regulations is too broad                     statutory requirement by simplifying the
                                              reporting thresholds of $1,200 for bingo                because it could include technologic                  process for payors to verify payees’
                                              and slot machine play and $1,500 for                    aids to Class II gaming as defined under              identities with a broader range of
                                              keno in § 7.6041–1(a), but invited                      the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, 25                  documents that are more readily
                                              comments on the feasibility of reducing                 U.S.C. 2701–2721, such as electronic                  available, and also by allowing payors to
                                              these thresholds. Commentators                          bingo or electronic pull-tabs.                        reduce the number of information
                                              overwhelmingly opposed the idea of                        As discussed in the preamble of the                 returns they issue if they adopt the new
                                              reducing these reporting thresholds.                    proposed regulations, the definition of               aggregate reporting methodology.
                                              Payors opposed lowering the thresholds                  slot machine in proposed § 1.6041–                    Therefore, a regulatory flexibility
                                              because it would result in more                         10(b)(4) is intended to be consistent                 analysis under the Regulatory
                                              reporting, which would increase                         with the definition of slot machine in                Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. Chapter 6) is
                                              compliance burdens for the industry. In                 § 44.4402–1(b)(1) of the Wagering Tax                 not required.
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                                              fact, many commentators suggested that                  Regulations. Having consistent                          Pursuant to section 7805(f) of the
                                              rather than reducing the current                        definitions benefits tax administration               Internal Revenue Code, the notice of
                                              thresholds, they should be increased to                 and may prevent unintended confusion                  proposed rulemaking preceding these
                                              account for inflation. These final                      that could arise from having different                regulations was submitted to the Chief
                                              regulations do not change the existing                  definitions for federal tax purposes.                 Counsel for Advocacy of the Small
                                              reporting thresholds for bingo, keno,                   Because the Treasury Department and                   Business Administration for comment
                                              and slot machine play.                                  the IRS conclude that, on balance, the                on the regulations’ impact on small


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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 251 / Friday, December 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                            96377

                                              businesses, and no comments were                        $1,500 or more from one keno game                     January 1 in paragraphs (b)(2)(iii)(B) and
                                              received.                                               reduced by the amount wagered on the                  (C) of this section.
                                                                                                      same keno game. All winnings received                    (B) Special rule for December 31. For
                                              Drafting Information                                                                                          purposes of paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of this
                                                                                                      from all wagers made during one keno
                                                The principal author of these                         game are combined (for example, all                   section, the gaming day that begins on
                                              regulations is David Bergman of the                     winnings from all ‘‘ways’’ on a multi-                December 31 of any calendar year ends
                                              Office of Associate Chief Counsel                       way keno ticket are combined).                        at 11:59 p.m. on December 31,
                                              (Procedure & Administration).                              (C) For slot machine play, the term                regardless of the time on December 31
                                              List of Subjects                                        ‘‘reportable gambling winnings’’ means                on which that gaming day began.
                                                                                                      winnings of $1,200 or more from one                      (C) Special rule for January 1. For
                                              26 CFR Part 1                                           slot machine play, without reduction for              purposes of paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of this
                                                Income taxes, Reporting and                           the amount wagered.                                   section, the gaming day of January 1
                                              recordkeeping requirements.                                (ii) Winnings and wagers from                      begins at 12:00 a.m. on January 1,
                                                                                                      different types of games are not                      regardless of the time and calendar day
                                              26 CFR Part 7                                           combined to determine if the reporting                on which that gaming day ends, and
                                                Temporary income tax regulations                      threshold is satisfied. Bingo, keno, and              may extend beyond 24 hours.
                                              under the Tax Reform Act of 1976.                       slot machine play are different types of                 (iv) Gaming establishment. For
                                                                                                      games.                                                purposes of this section, a gaming
                                              26 CFR Part 31                                                                                                establishment is a business entity of a
                                                                                                         (iii) Winnings include the fair market
                                                Employment Taxes and Collection of                    value of a payment in any medium other                payor of reportable gambling winnings
                                              Income Tax at Source.                                   than cash.                                            with respect to bingo, keno, or slot
                                                                                                         (iv) The amount wagered in the case                machine play, and includes all gaming
                                              Adoption of Amendments to the                                                                                 establishments owned by such payor
                                              Regulations                                             of a free play is zero.
                                                                                                         (2) Information reporting period—(i)               using the same employer identification
                                                Accordingly, 26 CFR parts 1, 7, and                   In general. For purposes of paragraph (g)             number (EIN) issued to such payor in
                                              31 are amended as follows:                              of this section, the ‘‘information                    accordance with section 6109.
                                                                                                                                                               (v) Examples. The following examples
                                              PART 1—INCOME TAXES                                     reporting period’’ begins when a patron
                                                                                                                                                            illustrate the provisions of paragraph
                                                                                                      places the first wager on a particular
                                                                                                                                                            (b)(2) of this section.
                                              ■ Paragraph 1. The authority citation                   type of game at a gaming establishment,
                                              for part 1 continues to read in part as                 as defined in paragraph (b)(2)(iv) of this               Example 1. Casino R uses the aggregate
                                                                                                      section, and ends when the patron                     reporting method under paragraph (g) of this
                                              follows:                                                                                                      section to report certain reportable gambling
                                                                                                      places his or her last wager on the same
                                                  Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * *                                                                           winnings. For other regulatory purposes,
                                                                                                      type of game at the same gaming                       Casino R uses a gaming day that begins at 3
                                              ■ Par. 2. Section 1.6041–10 is added to                 establishment before the end of the
                                              read as follows:                                                                                              a.m. and ends at 2:59 a.m. the following
                                                                                                      ‘‘information reporting period.’’ An                  calendar day. Casino R chooses to use its
                                              § 1.6041–10 Return of information as to                 information reporting period is a 24-                 gaming day as its information reporting
                                              payments of winnings from bingo, keno,                  hour period. A payor may select a                     period for purposes of paragraph (b)(2) of this
                                              and slot machine play.                                  calendar day (as defined in paragraph                 section during Year 1. Accordingly, the
                                                                                                      (b)(2)(ii) of this section) or a gaming day           information reporting period for purposes of
                                                (a) In general. Every person engaged                                                                        paragraph (g) of this section for each day
                                              in a trade or business (as defined in                   (as defined in paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of
                                                                                                                                                            during Year 1 begins at 3 a.m. and ends at
                                              § 1.6041–1(b)) and who, in the course of                this section) as the information                      2:59 a.m. the following day. The information
                                              such trade or business, makes a                         reporting period for purposes of the                  reporting period for December 31 of Year 1
                                              payment of reportable gambling                          aggregate reporting method in paragraph               begins at 3 a.m. on December 31 of Year 1
                                              winnings (defined in paragraph (b)(1) of                (g) of this section. For purposes of this             and ends at 11:59 p.m. on December 31 of
                                              this section) must make an information                  paragraph (b)(2), time is determined by               Year 1. The information reporting period for
                                              return with respect to such payment.                    the time zone of the location where the               January 1 of Year 2 begins at 12 a.m. on
                                                                                                      patron places the wager. A payor must                 January 1 of Year 2 and ends at 2:59 a.m. on
                                              Unless the provisions of paragraph (g) of                                                                     January 2 of Year 2.
                                              this section (regarding aggregate                       use the same information reporting
                                                                                                                                                               Example 2. The facts are the same as
                                              reporting) apply, a separate information                period (a calendar day or gaming day)                 Example 1, except Casino R uses a calendar
                                              return is required with respect to each                 to report all ‘‘reportable gambling                   day as its information reporting period for
                                              payment of reportable gambling                          winnings’’ paid during the calendar                   purposes of paragraph (b)(2) of this section
                                              winnings.                                               year. Once selected, a payor may not                  during Year 1. Accordingly, the information
                                                (b) Definitions—(1) Reportable                        change its information reporting period               reporting period for purpose of paragraph (g)
                                              gambling winnings. (i) For purposes of                  during a calendar year. Any changes to                of this section for each day during Year 1
                                                                                                      a payor’s information reporting period                begins at 12 a.m. and ends at 11:59 p.m. on
                                              this section, the term reportable
                                                                                                                                                            the same day.
                                              gambling winnings is defined as                         from one calendar year to another must
                                                                                                                                                               Example 3. Casino R uses the aggregate
                                              follows:                                                be implemented on January 1.                          reporting method under paragraph (g) of this
                                                 (A) For bingo, the term ‘‘reportable                    (ii) Calendar day. A calendar day is               section to report certain reportable gambling
                                              gambling winnings’’ means winnings of                   determined with reference to a period                 winnings. For other regulatory purposes,
                                              $1,200 or more from one bingo game,                     beginning at 12 a.m. and ending no later              Casino R uses a gaming day that begins at
                                              without reduction for the amount                        than 11:59 p.m. of the same calendar                  9:00 p.m. and ends at 8:59 p.m. the following
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                                              wagered. All winnings received from all                 day.                                                  calendar day. Casino R chooses to use its
                                              wagers made during one bingo game are                      (iii) Gaming day—(A) In general. A                 gaming day as its information reporting
                                                                                                                                                            period for purposes of paragraph (b)(2) of this
                                              combined (for example, all winnings                     gaming day is a 24-hour period other                  section during Year 1. Accordingly, the
                                              from all cards played during one bingo                  than a calendar day (as defined in                    information reporting period for purposes of
                                              game are combined).                                     paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section)                 paragraph (g) of this section for each day
                                                 (B) For keno, the term ‘‘reportable                  selected by the payor, subject to the                 during Year 1 begins at 9:00 p.m. and ends
                                              gambling winnings’’ means winnings of                   special rules for December 31 and                     at 8:59 p.m. the following day. The



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                                              96378            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 251 / Friday, December 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                              information reporting period for December 31               (v) The type of wagering transaction                  (2) A Form W–9, ‘‘Request for
                                              of Year 1 begins at 9:00 p.m. on December               (bingo, keno, or slot machine play);                  Taxpayer Identification Number and
                                              30 and ends at 8:59 p.m. on December 31. A                 (vi) In the case of a bingo or keno                Certification,’’ signed by the payee, that
                                              second information reporting period for                                                                       includes the payee’s name, address,
                                                                                                      game, any number, color, or other
                                              December 31 then begins at 9:00 p.m. on
                                                                                                      designation assigned to the game for                  taxpayer identification number, and
                                              December 31 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on
                                              December 31. The information reporting                  which the payment is made;                            other information required by the form.
                                              period for January 1 of Year 2 begins at 12:00             (vii) In the case of slot machine play,            A Form W–9 is not acceptable for this
                                              a.m. on January 1 and ends at 8:59 p.m. on              the identification number of the slot                 purpose if the payee has modified the
                                              January 1 of Year 2.                                    machine(s) (for example, location and                 form (other than pursuant to
                                                 Example 4. Casino R uses the aggregate               asset number);                                        instructions to the form) or if the payee
                                              reporting method under paragraph (g) of this               (viii) Any other information required              has deleted the jurat or other similar
                                              section to report certain reportable gambling           by the forms, instructions, revenue                   provisions by which the payee certifies
                                              winnings. In Year 1, Casino R chooses to use                                                                  or affirms the correctness of the
                                              a ‘‘gaming day’’ that begins at 3 a.m. and
                                                                                                      procedures, or other applicable
                                                                                                      guidance published in the Internal                    statements contained on the form.
                                              ends at 2:59 a.m. the following day as its                                                                       (f) Furnishing a statement to the
                                              information reporting period. During the                Revenue Bulletin.
                                              course of Year 1, Casino R decides that it                 (2) Special rule for tribal member                 payee. Every payor required to make a
                                              would like to change its information                    identification cards. A tribal member                 return under paragraph (a) of this
                                              reporting period to instead begin at 5 a.m.             identification card need not contain the              section must also make and furnish to
                                              and end at 4:59 a.m. the following day.                 payee’s photograph to meet the                        each payee, with respect to each
                                              Casino R must wait until January 1 of Year              identification requirement described in               payment of reportable gambling
                                              2 to implement such a change. On January 1              paragraph (d)(1)(iii) of this section if:             winnings, a written statement that
                                              of Year 2, Casino R’s information reporting                                                                   contains the information that is required
                                              period will begin at 12 a.m. and end at 4:59
                                                                                                         (i) The payee is a member of a
                                                                                                      federally recognized Indian tribe;                    to be included on the return under
                                              a.m. on January 2. On December 31 of Year                                                                     paragraph (d) of this section. The payor
                                              2, Casino R’s information reporting period                 (ii) The payee presents the payor with
                                                                                                      a tribal member identification card                   must furnish the statement to the payee
                                              will begin at 5 a.m. and end at 11:59 p.m.
                                                                                                      issued by a federally recognized Indian               on or before January 31st of the year
                                                 (3) Slot machine. The term ‘‘slot                                                                          following the calendar year in which
                                              machine’’ means a device that, by                       tribe stating that the payee is a member
                                                                                                                                                            payment of the reportable gambling
                                              application of the element of chance,                   of such tribe; and
                                                                                                                                                            winnings is made. The statement will be
                                              may deliver, or entitle the person                         (iii) The payor is a gaming
                                                                                                                                                            considered furnished to the payee if it
                                              playing or operating the device to                      establishment (as described in
                                                                                                                                                            is provided to the payee at the time of
                                              receive cash, premiums, merchandise,                    paragraph (b)(2)(iv) of this section)
                                                                                                                                                            payment or if it is mailed to the payee
                                              or tokens whether or not the device is                  owned or licensed (in accordance with
                                                                                                                                                            on or before January 31st of the year
                                              operated by insertion of a coin, token,                 25 U.S.C. 2710) by the tribal government
                                                                                                                                                            following the calendar year in which
                                              or similar object.                                      that issued the tribal member                         payment was made.
                                                 (c) Prescribed form; time and place for              identification card referred to in                       (g) Aggregate reporting of bingo, keno,
                                              filing the return. The return described in              (d)(2)(ii).                                           and slot machine winnings—(1) In
                                              paragraph (a) of this section is a Form                    (3) Special rule for optional aggregate            general. In lieu of filing a separate
                                              W–2G, ‘‘Certain Gambling Winnings.’’                    reporting method. In the case of                      information return for each payment of
                                              The Form W–2G must be filed with the                    aggregate reporting under paragraph (g)               reportable gambling winnings as
                                              appropriate Internal Revenue Service                    of this section, the amount of the                    required by paragraph (a) of this section,
                                              location designated in the instructions                 payment in paragraph (d)(1)(iv) of this               a payor may use the aggregate reporting
                                              to the form on or before February 28                    section is the aggregate amount of                    method (defined in paragraph (g)(2) of
                                              (March 31, if filed electronically) of the              payments of reportable gambling                       this section) to report reportable
                                              year following the calendar year in                     winnings from the same type of game                   gambling winnings from bingo, keno, or
                                              which the reportable gambling winnings                  (bingo, keno, or slot machine play)                   slot machine play. A payor using the
                                              were paid. See section 6011 and                         made to the same payee during the same                aggregate reporting method to file
                                              § 1.6011–2 for requirements to file                     information reporting period (as defined              information returns under paragraph (a)
                                              electronically.                                         in paragraph (b)(2) of this section).                 of this section must also furnish
                                                 (d) Information included on the                      Unless otherwise provided in forms,                   statements to the payee under paragraph
                                              return—(1) In general. Each return                      instructions, or other guidance, in the               (f) of this section using the aggregate
                                              required by paragraph (a) of this section               case of aggregate reporting under                     reporting method.
                                              must contain:                                           paragraph (g) of this section, the                       (2) Aggregate reporting method
                                                 (i) The name, address, and taxpayer                  information required by paragraphs                    defined. (i) The aggregate reporting
                                              identification number of the payor;                     (d)(1)(v) through (viii) of this section              method is a method of reporting more
                                                 (ii) The name, address, and taxpayer                 must be maintained by the payor as                    than one payment of reportable
                                              identification number of the payee;                     described in paragraph (g)(3) of this                 gambling winnings from the same type
                                                 (iii) A general description of the two               section.                                              of game (bingo, keno, or slot machine
                                              types of identification (as described in                   (e) Identification. The following items            play) made to the same payee during the
                                              paragraph (e) of this section), one of                  are treated as identification for purposes            same information reporting period (as
                                              which must have the payee’s                             of paragraph (d)(1)(iii) of this section—             defined in this paragraph (b)(2) of this
                                              photograph on it (except in the case of                    (1) Government-issued identification               section) on one information return or
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                                              tribal member identification cards in                   (for example, a driver’s license,                     statement.
                                              certain circumstances as described in                   passport, social security card, military                 (ii) A payor may use the aggregate
                                              paragraph (d)(2) of this section) that the              identification card, tribal member                    reporting method for payments to some
                                              payor relied on to verify the payee’s                   identification card issued by a federally             payees and not others, at its own
                                              name, address, and taxpayer                             recognized Indian tribe, or voter                     discretion. In addition, with respect to
                                              identification number;                                  registration card) in the name of the                 a single payee, the payor may use the
                                                 (iv) The date and amount of payment;                 payee; and                                            aggregate reporting method to report


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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 251 / Friday, December 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                             96379

                                              winnings from one type of game, but not                    (vi) The method of payment to the                  W–2G would have to be filed and furnished
                                              for winnings from another type of game.                 payee (for example, cash, check,                      for the payment of reportable gambling
                                                 (iii) Failure to report some reportable              voucher, credit, token, or chips); and                winnings of $1,500 and for the payment of
                                                                                                                                                            reportable gambling winnings of $2,500.
                                              gambling winnings from a particular                        (vii) The name and unique
                                                                                                                                                            However, if R decides to use the aggregate
                                              type of game during one information                     identification number of the individual               reporting method, R may report total
                                              reporting period to a particular payee                  who the payor has determined is                       reportable gambling winnings from slot
                                              under the aggregate reporting method                    responsible for ensuring that the entry               machine play of $4,000 ($1,500 + $2,500) on
                                              (for whatever reason, including because                 with respect to the reportable gambling               one Form W–2G.
                                              the winnings are not permitted to be                    winnings (including the general                          Example 2. Assume the same facts as
                                              reported using the aggregate reporting                  description of two types of                           Example 1, except that in addition to the
                                              method under paragraph (g)(4) of this                   identification used to verify the payee’s             winnings described in Example 1, at 5 a.m.
                                                                                                                                                            on Day 2, C wins $3,250 from one slot
                                              section) will not disqualify the payor                  name, address, and taxpayer
                                                                                                                                                            machine play at casino R. Even though C
                                              from using the aggregate reporting                      identification number) is complete and                played the same type of game (slot machine
                                              method to report other reportable                       accurate and who is authorized to                     play) on Day 1 and Day 2, under paragraph
                                              gambling winnings from that type of                     perform that function by the applicable               (b)(2) of this section, the win at 5 a.m. on Day
                                              game during that information reporting                  gaming regulatory control authority.                  2 is a win during a separate information
                                              period to that payee. The payor may                     Such individual may or may not be the                 reporting period. Under paragraph (g)(2)(i) of
                                              stop using the aggregate reporting                      same individual who prepared the                      this section, the $3,250 of reportable
                                              method for a particular payee or for all                entry.                                                gambling winnings on Day 2 cannot be
                                                                                                         (4) When the aggregate reporting                   aggregated with the reportable gambling
                                              payees before the end of the payor’s
                                                                                                                                                            winnings of $4,000 from Day 1 on a single
                                              information reporting period for any                    method may not be used. A payor                       Form W–2G. Accordingly, if R uses the
                                              reason.                                                 cannot use the aggregate reporting                    aggregate reporting method, R must file two
                                                 (3) Recordkeeping under the aggregate                method if—                                            Forms W–2G with respect to C’s reportable
                                              reporting method. A payor using the                        (i) The payment is to a foreign person,            gambling winnings on Day 1 and Day 2. R
                                              aggregate reporting method must                         as described in section 1.6041–10(h);                 must report $4,000 of reportable gambling
                                              maintain a record of every payment of                      (ii) The payor knows or has reason to              winnings from slot machine play paid to C
                                              reportable gambling winnings from the                   know that the person making the wager                 on Day 1 on the first Form W–2G, and $3,250
                                              same type of game made to the same                      is not the person entitled to the                     of reportable gambling winnings from slot
                                                                                                      winnings or is not the only person                    machine play paid to C on Day 2 on the
                                              payee during the information reporting                                                                        second Form W–2G.
                                              period that will be reported using the                  entitled to the winnings (regardless of                  Example 3. On December 31 of Year 1 at
                                              aggregate reporting method. Every                       whether the person making the wager                   4:00 p.m., C wins $10,000 from one slot
                                              individual that the payor has                           furnishes a Form 5754, ‘‘Statement by                 machine play at casino R. At 12:30 a.m. on
                                              determined is responsible for an entry                  Person(s) Receiving Gambling                          January 1 of Year 2, C wins $4,000 from one
                                              in the record must confirm the                          Winnings’’); or                                       slot machine play at casino R. Under
                                              information in the entry by signing the                    (iii) Backup withholding under                     paragraphs (b)(2)(iii)(B) and (C) of this
                                              record in a manner that will enable the                 section 3406(a) applies to the payment.               section, the win at 4 p.m. on December 31
                                              signature to be associated with the                        (5) Examples. The following examples               of Year 1 and the win at 12:30 a.m. on
                                                                                                      illustrate the provisions of this section.            January 1 of Year 2 are wins during different
                                              relevant entry. Each payment of a                                                                             information reporting periods. Under
                                              reportable gambling winning made to                     For each example, assume that for                     paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this section, the $4,000
                                              the same payee and reported under the                   purposes of the aggregate reporting                   of reportable gambling winnings on January
                                              aggregate reporting method must have                    method in paragraph (g) of this section,              1 cannot be aggregated with the reportable
                                              its own entry in the record, however,                   Casino R’s ‘‘information reporting                    gambling winnings of $10,000 from
                                              the information required by paragraphs                  period’’ for all calendar years is a                  December 31 on a single Form W–2G.
                                              (d)(1)(i) through (iii) of this section is              gaming day that begins at 3 a.m. and                  Accordingly, if R uses the aggregate reporting
                                              not required to be recorded more than                   ends at 2:59 a.m. the following day                   method, R must file two Forms W–2G with
                                              one time per information reporting                      (except for January 1 and December 31)                respect to C’s reportable gambling winnings
                                                                                                      and that individuals C, D, and E are U.S.             on Day 1 and Day 2. R must report $10,000
                                              period. A payor that uses the aggregate                                                                       of reportable gambling winnings from slot
                                              reporting method must retain a copy of                  persons.                                              machine play paid to C on December 31 on
                                              the record in its files. The record (which                 Example 1. On Day 1, between 7 a.m. and            the first Form W–2G and $4,000 of reportable
                                              may be electronic provided the                          4 p.m., C places five wagers at casino R on           gambling winnings from slot machine play
                                              requirements set forth in forms,                        five different slot machines. The first two           paid to C on January 1 on the second Form
                                              instructions, or guidance published in                  wagers result in no win. The third wager              W–2G.
                                              the Internal Revenue Bulletin are met)                  results in a $1,500 win. The fourth wager                Example 4. Assume the same facts as
                                              must include the following information                  results in a $2,500 win. The fifth wager              example 3, except that C also wins $5,000
                                              about each payment:                                     results in an $800 win:                               from one slot machine play at 3:30 p.m. on
                                                                                                         (i) Under paragraph (b)(1)(i)(C) of this           January 1 and $7,000 from one slot machine
                                                 (i) The payee’s signature confirming                 section, there are reportable gambling                play at 1:30 a.m. on January 2. Under the
                                              the information in the record;                          winnings from the slot machine play of                special rule of paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of this
                                                 (ii) The information required under                  $4,000 ($1,500 + $2,500). The $800 win is not         section, the ‘‘information reporting period’’
                                              paragraph (d) of this section;                          a reportable gambling winning from slot               begins at 12:00 a.m. on January 1 and extends
                                                 (iii) The time of the win resulting in               machine play because it does not equal or             until the start of the next information
                                              the reportable gambling winnings;                       exceed the $1,200 threshold.                          reporting period, in this case 2:59 a.m. on
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                                                 (iv) The total amount of reportable                     (ii) Because all of the amounts were won           January 2. Under paragraph (b)(1)(C) of this
                                              gambling winnings with respect to all                   on the same type of game (even though each            section, Casino R will pay C a total of
                                                                                                      of the winnings occurred on different                 $26,000 ($10,000 + $4,000 + $5,000 + $7,000)
                                              payments to the payee during the                        machines) during the same information                 in reportable gambling winnings; however,
                                              information reporting period;                           reporting period, R is permitted to use the           $10,000 must be reported in Year 1, and
                                                 (v) The amount of reportable gambling                aggregate reporting method under this                 $16,000 must be reported in Year 2. Because
                                              winnings with respect to each particular                paragraph (g). If R decides not to use the            all of the amounts won in Year 2 were won
                                              payment;                                                aggregate reporting method, a separate Form           on the same type of game and during the



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                                              96380            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 251 / Friday, December 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                              same information reporting period, R is                 gambling winnings from five different bingo           PART 31—EMPLOYMENT TAXES AND
                                              permitted to use the aggregate reporting                games at a casino R. R generally uses the             COLLECTION OF INCOME TAX AT
                                              method under this paragraph (g). If R decides           aggregate reporting method and in all cases
                                                                                                                                                            SOURCE
                                              to use the aggregate reporting method, R may            where it is used, R complies with the
                                              report $10,000 of reportable gambling                   requirements of this paragraph (g). Although
                                              winnings from slot machine play paid to C
                                                                                                                                                            ■ Par. 5. The authority citation for part
                                                                                                      E signed the entry in the record R maintains
                                              on December 31 on the first Form W–2G and               for payment of the first four reportable              31 continues to read in part as follows:
                                              $16,000 of total reportable gambling                    gambling winnings, E refuses to sign the
                                                                                                                                                                Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * *
                                              winnings from slot machine play paid to C               entry in the record for the fifth payment of
                                              on January 1 on the second Form W–2G.                   reportable gambling winnings. R may use the           § 31.3406(g)–2    [Amended]
                                                 Example 5. At 2 p.m. on Day 1, D won                 aggregate reporting method for the first four
                                              $2,000 (after reducing the amount of the win            payments of reportable gambling winnings to           ■ Par. 6. In § 31.3406(g)–2, paragraph
                                              by the amount wagered) playing one keno                 E. However, because the entry in the record           (d)(3) is amended by removing the
                                              game at casino R. D provides R with his                 for the fifth payment of reportable gambling          citation ‘‘§ 7.6041–1’’ and adding the
                                              driver’s license. The driver’s license has D’s          winnings does not include E’s signature, as           citation ‘‘§ 1.6041–10’’ in its place.
                                              photograph on it, as well as D’s name and               required by paragraph (g)(3)(i) of this section,
                                              address. The driver’s license does not                                                                        *     *      *    *     *
                                                                                                      that payment may not be reported under the
                                              include D’s social security number. D cannot            aggregate reporting method. Accordingly, if R         John Dalrymple,
                                              remember his social security number and has             uses the aggregate reporting method under             Deputy Commissioner for Services and
                                              no other identification at the time with his            paragraph (g) of this section, R must prepare
                                              social security number on it. D does not                                                                      Enforcement.
                                                                                                      two Forms W–2G as follows: On the first
                                              provide R with his social security number               Form W–2G, R must report the first four                 Approved: December 13, 2016.
                                              before R pays the winnings to D. Because D              payments of reportable gambling winnings              Mark J. Mazur,
                                              cannot remember his social security number,             from bingo made to E on Day 1. On the                 Assistant Secretary of the Treasury (Tax
                                              D cannot complete and sign a Form W–9. R                second Form W–2G, R must report the fifth             Policy).
                                              deducts and withholds $560 (28 percent of               payment of reportable gambling winnings               [FR Doc. 2016–31575 Filed 12–29–16; 8:45 am]
                                              $2,000) under the backup withholding                    from bingo made to E on Day 1.
                                              provisions of section 3406(a) and pays the                                                                    BILLING CODE 4830–01–P
                                              remaining $1,440 in winnings to D. D returns               (h) Payments to foreign persons. See
                                              to casino R and at 6 p.m. on Day 1 wins                 § 1.6041–4 regarding payments to
                                              $1,500 (after reducing the amount of the win            foreign persons. See § 1.6049–5(d) for                DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
                                              by the amount wagered) in one keno game.                determining whether the payee is a                    SECURITY
                                              D provides R with his driver’s license as well          foreign person.
                                              as D’s social security card. R generally uses              (i) Effective/applicability date.                  Coast Guard
                                              the aggregate reporting method and in all               Section 1.6041–10(b)(2), concerning
                                              cases where it is used, R complies with the             payor-selected ‘‘information reporting                33 CFR Part 165
                                              requirements of this paragraph (g). At 8 p.m.
                                                                                                      periods,’’ applies to payments of
                                              and 10 p.m. on Day 1, D wins an additional                                                                    [Docket No. USCG–2016–0939]
                                              $1,800 and $1,700 (after reducing the amount            reportable gambling winnings from
                                              of the win by the amount wagered),                      bingo, keno, or slot machine play made                Liberty Island Safety Zone; Fireworks
                                              respectively, from two different keno games.            on or after January 1 of the year                     Display in Captain of the Port New
                                              For each of these two wins, an employee of              following the date these regulations are              York Zone
                                              R obtains the information from D required by            published in the Federal Register. All
                                              this paragraph (g):                                     other sections contained herein apply to              AGENCY:  Coast Guard, DHS.
                                                 (i) Under paragraph (b)(1)(i)(B) of this             payments of reportable gambling                       ACTION: Notice of enforcement of
                                              section, each of D’s wins from the four games           winnings from bingo, keno, or slot
                                              of keno on Day 1 ($2,000, $1,500, $1,800, and
                                                                                                                                                            regulation.
                                                                                                      machine play made on or after
                                              $1,700) are reportable gambling winnings.
                                                                                                      December 30, 2016.                                    SUMMARY:   The Coast Guard will enforce
                                              Because D’s first win on Day 1 was at 2 p.m.
                                              and D’s last win on Day 1 was at 10 p.m.,                  (j) Cross-references for certain                   a safety zone within the Captain of the
                                              all of D’s reportable gambling winnings from            gambling winnings. For provisions                     Port New York Zone on the specified
                                              keno are won during the same information                relating to backup withholding for                    date and time. This action is necessary
                                              reporting period. Because R satisfies the               winnings from bingo, keno, and slot                   to ensure the safety of vessels and
                                              requirements of paragraph (g)(2)(i), R may              machine play and other reportable                     spectators from hazards associated with
                                              use the aggregate reporting method to report            gambling winnings, see § 31.3406(g)–                  fireworks displays. During the
                                              D’s reportable gambling winnings from keno.             2(d). For provisions relating to                      enforcement period, no person or vessel
                                              However, pursuant to paragraph (g)(4)(iii) of           withholding and reporting for gambling                may enter the safety zone without
                                              this section, the $2,000 payment made to D
                                                                                                      winnings from lotteries, sweepstakes,                 permission of the Captain of the Port
                                              at 2 p.m. cannot be reported under the
                                              aggregate reporting method because that                 wagering pools, and other wagering                    (COTP).
                                              payment was subject to backup withholding.              transactions, including a wagering                    DATES:  The regulation for the safety
                                              Accordingly, if R uses the aggregate reporting          transaction in a parimutuel pool with                 zone described in 33 CFR 165.160 will
                                              method under this paragraph (g), R will have            respect to horse races, dog races, or jai             be enforced on the date and time listed
                                              to file two Forms W–2G with respect to D’s              alai, see § 31.3402(q)–1.                             in the table below.
                                              reportable gambling winnings from keno on
                                              Day 1. On the first Form W–2G, R will report            PART 7—TEMPORARY INCOME TAX                           FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If
                                              $2,000 of reportable gambling winnings and              REGULATIONS UNDER THE TAX                             you have questions on this notice, call
                                              $560 of backup withholding with respect to              REFORM ACT OF 1976                                    or email Petty Officer First Class Ronald
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                                              the 2 p.m. win from keno, and, on the second                                                                  Sampert, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone
                                              Form W–2G, R will report $5,000 of                      ■ Par. 3. The authority citation for part             718–354–4154, email ronald.j.sampert@
                                              reportable gambling winnings from keno                  7 continues to read in part as follows:               uscg.mil.
                                              (representing the three payments of $1,500,
                                              $1,800, and $1,700 that D won between 6                     Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * *                   SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                              p.m. and 10 p.m. on Day 1).                                                                                     The Coast Guard will enforce the
                                                                                                      § 7.6041–1    [Removed]                               safety zone listed in 33 CFR 165.160 on
                                                 Example 6. In one information reporting
                                              period on Day 1, E won five reportable                  ■   Par. 4. Section 7.6041–1 is removed.              the specified date and time as indicated


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Document Created: 2016-12-30 05:16:07
Document Modified: 2016-12-30 05:16:07
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal regulations.
DatesThese regulations are effective on December 30, 2016.
ContactDavid Bergman, (202) 317-6845 (not a toll-free number).
FR Citation81 FR 96374 
RIN Number1545-BL68
CFR Citation26 CFR 1
26 CFR 31
26 CFR 7
CFR AssociatedIncome Taxes; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements; Employment Taxes and Collection of Income Tax at Source and Temporary Income Tax Regulations Under the Tax Reform Act of 1976

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