Current:Home > InvestIf you in the $935 million Powerball, just how much would you have to pay in taxes? A lot. -MoneySpot
If you in the $935 million Powerball, just how much would you have to pay in taxes? A lot.
View
Date:2025-04-27 21:48:38
In the end, it's one for you and 19 for the taxman.
If there is a winner for Saturday's Powerball jackpot, they won't take home the entire estimated $935 million prize, even if they are the only ticket with the right six numbers.
The prize is taxed if a person takes the annuity option − which is what the advertised jackpot figure represents − or the lump sum. A 2018 USA TODAY analysis recommended taking the lump sum.
If a winner joins the ranks of the luckiest people alive, like the New Jersey person that won Tuesday's Mega Millions jackpot, there will be a hefty tax bill to pay. (Though, let's be honest they can cry about it in their piles of new money.)
Here's what to know about taxes on lottery winnings.
Federal taxes on Powerball wins
Federal lottery taxes are determined by the income bracket the winnings fall into.
Currently the two highest income brackets are taxed at 37% for incomes over $578,125 and 35% for incomes over $231,250.
The governing lottery body withholds 24% of the prize automatically, leaving the balance to be paid by the winner, according to Lottery USA.
If a sole winner of Saturday's prize is taxed up to 37% and lives in a state where the only taxes required are federal, they will take home an estimated $283,346,573 from the cash option, according to Lottery USA's tax calculator.
State taxes on Powerball wins
Most states impose a tax on lottery wins.
New York levies the highest tax on wins at 10.9%, followed by Maryland (8.9%) and the District of Columbia (8.5%), according to Lottery USA.
If the Powerball winner lives in New York − assuming there are no deductions − they will have to pay $49,017,300 on the cash option, according to Lottery USA's tax calculator.
There are ten states and territories that do not tax lottery winners. They are:
- California
- Delaware
- Florida
- New Hampshire
- Puerto Rico
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Washington
- Wyoming
Where to purchase lottery tickets
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050(MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.
veryGood! (78)
Related
- Sam Taylor
- Bachelor Nation’s Ryan Sutter Shares Message on “Right Path” After Trista Sutter’s Absence
- Travis Kelce Shares Honest Reaction to Getting Booed While at NBA Playoffs Game
- A year after Titan sub implosion, an Ohio billionaire says he wants to make his own voyage to Titanic wreckage
- Sam Taylor
- Travis Kelce Shares Honest Reaction to Getting Booed While at NBA Playoffs Game
- Kansas special legislative session on tax cuts set to begin in June
- Best MLB stadium food: Ranking the eight top ballparks for eats in 2024
- Intellectuals vs. The Internet
- There aren't enough mental health counselors to respond to 911 calls. One county sheriff has a virtual solution.
Ranking
- At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
- Minnesota defeats Boston in Game 5 to capture inaugural Walter Cup, PWHL championship
- Oilers roar back, score 5 unanswered goals to tie conference finals with Stars 2-2
- Get 82% Off Khloé Kardashian's Good American, 30% Off Parachute, 70% Off Disney & Today's Best Deals
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- What brought Stewart-Haas Racing to end of the line, 10 years after NASCAR championship?
- Yellowstone's Ryan Bingham Marries Costar Hassie Harrison in Western-Themed Wedding
- Amy Homma succeeds Jacqueline Stewart to lead Academy Museum
Recommendation
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
Less than 2% of philanthropic giving goes to women and girls. Can Melinda French Gates change that?
Hollywood Makeup Artist Allie Shehorn Stabbed More Than 20 Times in Brutal Attack
'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor’s cause of death revealed
Alex Murdaugh’s murder appeal cites biased clerk and prejudicial evidence
On Facebook, some pro-Palestinian groups have become a hotbed of antisemitism, study says
Chicago man who served 12 years for murder wants life back. Key witness in case was blind.
New Louisiana law will criminalize approaching police under certain circumstances