The September 15 ITR deadline is around the corner, and if you earned money from online games like fantasy cricket, rummy, or poker in FY25, it’s time to report your winnings to the tax department.

The September 15 ITR deadline is around the corner, and if you earned money from online games like fantasy cricket, rummy, or poker in FY25, it’s time to report your winnings to the tax department.

Live TVShare Advertisement From fantasy cricket to online poker, your winnings from FY25 must be reported in your ITR. India Today Business DeskNew Delhi,UPDATED: Sep 2, 2025 11:33 ISTThe Centre’s recent ban on online paid games, citing addiction and financial risks, has disrupted platforms like fantasy cricket, rummy, and poker. While the industry reels from the move, individuals who earned winnings from such games in FY25 must still report their income before the September 15 income tax return (ITR) deadline.

HOW ONLINE GAMING INCOME IS CLASSIFIED

Winnings from online games are not treated like salary, capital gains, rent or business profits.

advertisementThe Central Board of Direct Taxation (CBDT) has made it clear that they fall under the head ‘Income from Other Sources’, which also covers things such as lottery prizes and gifts.

TDS AND COMPLIANCE RULES

Gaming platforms have also been brought under strict compliance. Under Section 194BA, tax is deducted at source (TDS) not only on withdrawals but also on closing balances. These transactions are linked to the player’s PAN and directly reported to the tax department.

This means that even if someone’s overall income is below the taxable limit, they may still need to file an ITR if tax has been deducted. In addition, Rule 12BA of the Income-tax Rules says that filing a return is compulsory if the total TDS or TCS in a financial year is more than Rs 25,000.

WHAT EXPERTS SAY

Tax expert Sandeep Sehgal, Partner, Tax at AKM Global, while speaking to CNBCTV18, explained that those who earn money from online platforms like fantasy sports, poker or e-sports must disclose it under ‘Income from Other Sources’.

He pointed out that winnings are taxed at 30% without any reliefs, and losses are not allowed to be set off. He also advised that taxpayers should use the correct form—either ITR-2 or ITR-3, depending on their overall income profile.

According to him, it is important to disclose winnings even if TDS has already been deducted. If not reported properly, the tax department can issue notices.

WHY TIMELY FILING MATTERS

With only a few days left for the deadline, those who earned any money from online gaming in FY25 should double-check their tax statements, disclose all winnings, and file their return on time.

Accurate reporting will help avoid penalties, interest and unwanted questions from the tax authorities later.

• EndsPublished By: Jasmine anandPublished On: Sep 2, 2025 Winnings from online games are not treated like salary, capital gains, rent or business profits.

advertisement The Central Board of Direct Taxation (CBDT) has made it clear that they fall under the head ‘Income from Other Sources’, which also covers things such as lottery prizes and gifts.

TDS AND COMPLIANCE RULES

Gaming platforms have also been brought under strict compliance. Under Section 194BA, tax is deducted at source (TDS) not only on withdrawals but also on closing balances. These transactions are linked to the player’s PAN and directly reported to the tax department.

This means that even if someone’s overall income is below the taxable limit, they may still need to file an ITR if tax has been deducted. In addition, Rule 12BA of the Income-tax Rules says that filing a return is compulsory if the total TDS or TCS in a financial year is more than Rs 25,000.

WHAT EXPERTS SAY

Tax expert Sandeep Sehgal, Partner, Tax at AKM Global, while speaking to CNBCTV18, explained that those who earn money from online platforms like fantasy sports, poker or e-sports must disclose it under ‘Income from Other Sources’.

He pointed out that winnings are taxed at 30% without any reliefs, and losses are not allowed to be set off. He also advised that taxpayers should use the correct form—either ITR-2 or ITR-3, depending on their overall income profile.

According to him, it is important to disclose winnings even if TDS has already been deducted. If not reported properly, the tax department can issue notices.

WHY TIMELY FILING MATTERS

With only a few days left for the deadline, those who earned any money from online gaming in FY25 should double-check their tax statements, disclose all winnings, and file their return on time.

Accurate reporting will help avoid penalties, interest and unwanted questions from the tax authorities later.

• Ends Published By: Jasmine anandPublished On: Sep 2, 2025 Watch Live TV

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