I am worried today
 

Got my check from pokerstars for a recent cashout today. It went through Toronto and I could tell that the US customs dept had opened it because they retaped it with their special tape. Does this mean that they reported it to the IRS? Has this ever happened to you? This will be the last time that I cash out over a grand because under a grand and they use US Mail.

Indy

Re: I am worried today
 

why did they open your mail???

Re: I am worried today
 

[ QUOTE ]
Got my check from pokerstars for a recent cashout today. It went through Toronto and I could tell that the US customs dept had opened it because they retaped it with their special tape. Does this mean that they reported it to the IRS? Has this ever happened to you? This will be the last time that I cash out over a grand because under a grand and they use US Mail.

Indy

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I wouldn't worry, It iss extremely unlikely that customs reported it to the IRS, they wouldn't have a reason to, they were checking the package for illegal substances or goods, not ill-gotten poker gains. And I don't think they talk to the IRS.

Re: I am worried today
 

All mail is subject to Customs examination.

The United States Customs territory consists of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. In general, all mail originating outside United States Customs territory that is to be delivered inside U.S. Customs territory is subject to Customs examination. Mail arriving from outside the U.S. Virgin Islands that is to be delivered inside the U.S. Virgin Islands is also subject to Customs examination.

Mail entering the United States from abroad arrives first at the U.S. Postal Service. The Postal Service then sends packages to U.S. Customs for examination and to assess duty, if indeed any is owed. Customs processing is required for civilian parcels as well as for those sent from overseas military postal facilities (APO/FPO).

Re: I am worried today
 

Thanks for the responses. So am I going to get a bill from Customs for pushing checks across the border?

Indy

Re: I am worried today
 

A couple factoids from the IRS website:

Foreign income. If you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien, you must report income from sources outside the United States (foreign income) on your tax return unless it is exempt by U.S. law.

Gambling winnings. You must include your gambling winnings in your income on Form1040, line 21. If you itemize your deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040), you can deduct gambling losses you had during the year, but only up to the amount of your winnings.

And, in case this applies to anyone (I'm sure the answer is NO)…

Illegal income. Illegal income, such as money from dealing illegal drugs, must be included in your income on Form 1040, line 21, or on Schedule C or Schedule C-EZ (Form 1040) if from your self-employment activity.

I'm sure they get a lot of compliance on that one…

Re: I am worried today
 

I think you would have received a duty bill when you received your mail (or they would have made you go to the post office to pay it before you could get it). I'm pretty sure you only have pay duty on cash or instruments on amounts over $10,000.00 or at least declare it to the IRS over that amount (I'm not an expert - just travel a lot.)

Re: I am worried today
 

[ QUOTE ]
Illegal income. Illegal income, such as money from dealing illegal drugs, must be included in your income on Form 1040, line 21, or on Schedule C or Schedule C-EZ (Form 1040) if from your self-employment activity.

I'm sure they get a lot of compliance on that one…

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That's how they nail gangsters for tax evasion.

Re: I am worried today
 

Thanks for the posts.

Indy

Re: I am worried today
 

[ QUOTE ]
why did they open your mail???

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Looking for porn.