If Debra Smith has gambling winnings of $5,400 and losses of $5,700, what amount can she deduct on Schedule A (Form 1040)?

Debra can deduct her gambling losses on Schedule A (Form 1040) up to the amount of her gambling winnings. In this case, Debra has gambling winnings of $5,400. Therefore, her allowed deduction for gambling losses is restricted to this amount. Although her gambling losses total $5,700, she can only deduct losses up to the amount of winnings.

This means that even though her losses exceed her winnings, she can only deduct the winnings amount of $5,400 from her taxable income. This distinction is crucial because it prevents taxpayers from using gambling losses as a way to further offset taxable income beyond the winnings earned. Thus, the correct deduction amount reflecting her situation is $300, indicating that her losses overshadow her winnings, and any losses beyond her winnings cannot be used as a tax deduction.