I won $30,000 at a WSOP final table last year, but had about a third of it withheld because I was foreign (it was not fully explained to me why this was their policy, but essentially if you were American and had a SS#, then they gave you the entire amount of your winnings, but also issued you a W2, and sent a copy of it to the IRS...but if you were foreign, and hence had no SS#, they just withheld I think 30%.)

I was assured by the payout director, though, that I would be able to 'get back' the amount they withheld at tax time this year. Well, I'm ready to file my taxes, but have no clue exactly how I'm supposed to get back that amount. I'd appreciate advice from anyone who is/was in a similar position?

http://www.refundmanagement.com/aboutus.asp

I'm not sure how effective they are and have no first hand experience with them, but they advertise on TV for this exact sort of predicament.

Probably overpriced. This is basic.

If OP has any understanding of taxes at all go to IRS site and search for the forms you will need to fill out.

I'm very familiar with US taxes, as a result of having lived there for a couple years and having filed a 1040NR form.

I still have no clue how to go about things in this scenario.

Hey Teddy,

FWIW I talked to a guy from Ottawa outside the tent last year and he said to use any knowledgeable accountant instead of a refund service. The services charge a much higher vig.

Good luck.
Matt

You just need to apply for a ITN (if you don't have one) at the same time you file a US return (with the winnings as income , etc.).

A service will charge you 40% of the tax refund while you can do it yourself with a
few hours work.