Which of the following items contributes to George's total income for the current tax year?

Gambling winnings are considered taxable income and must be reported on an individual's tax return. Per IRS guidelines, all gambling winnings, whether they are from slots, lotteries, or other wagering activities, contribute to total income for the year. This is true regardless of whether the individual provides the information on their tax return or receives a Form W-2G for large winnings. Therefore, George must include these winnings as part of his total income.

In contrast, life insurance proceeds received due to a death are generally not taxable and do not contribute to total income. Job-related moving expenses, following the changes in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, are also not deductible for most taxpayers. Lastly, an IRA contribution is not considered part of taxable income; it may provide a tax deduction depending on the individual's circumstances but does not directly add to total income. This clarity helps ensure understanding of what constitutes taxable income under the current tax laws.