Originally Posted by
brooklynmatt
I understand how the current law works, I just think it is unfair and should be challenged. People do challenge the tax laws.
I have enough loss to wipe my w4-g so its not relevant to me anyway, I am just saying I don't think its fair and I might just go ahead and say so to the IRS if I was in that situation.
Challenging the IRS in a situation like this probably requires accountants and lawyers (whose cost) would probably exceed the expectation. It's not like there is a huge good samaritan contingent out there that is feeling horrible about gamblers who tip heavy, and then want to offset the tips against wins (as losses)
Representing yourself in tax-court, against the IRS could be very dangerous.
There are many things that are unfair, especially with regard to the IRS. You just deal with it the best you can. Believe me, this (deducting tips), is probably one of the least substantive complaints against the IRS. In any case, people shouldn't be tipping that much anyway. (and those that do tip on extreme levels are hardly worried about the tax implications).