Current:Home > MyIf you in the $935 million Powerball, just how much would you have to pay in taxes? A lot. -TruePath Finance
If you in the $935 million Powerball, just how much would you have to pay in taxes? A lot.
View
Date:2025-04-12 00:48:07
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! (9)
Related
- Rylee Arnold Shares a Long
- Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras breaks left forearm when hit by J.D. Martinez’s bat
- Idea of You Actor Nicholas Galitzine Addresses Sexuality
- The United Methodist Church just held a historic vote in favor of LGBT inclusion. Here's what that means for the organization's future
- Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
- Pennsylvania will make the animal sedative xylazine a controlled substance
- Former U.S. soldier convicted in cold case murder of pregnant 19-year-old soldier on Army base in Germany
- Homeless encampment cleared from drug-plagued Philadelphia neighborhood
- Sam Taylor
- 10-year-old killed, another child injured after being hit by car walking home from school in Delaware
Ranking
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- Why Jill Zarin Is Defending Her Controversial Below Deck Appearance
- Judge won’t reconvene jury after disputed verdict in New Hampshire youth center abuse case
- NCAA removes cap on official recruiting visits in basketball to deal with unlimited transfers
- As Trump Enters Office, a Ripe Oil and Gas Target Appears: An Alabama National Forest
- Attorney, family of Black airman fatally shot by Florida deputies want a transparent investigation
- The Rev. Al Sharpton to give eulogy for Ohio man who died last month while in police custody
- What is a tornado emergency and how is it different from a warning or a watch?
Recommendation
Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
Union push pits the United Farm Workers against a major California agricultural business
Dear E!, How Do I Dress Like a Minimalist? Here’s Your Guide to a Simple, Chic & Refined Wardrobe
Maryland governor signs bill to rebuild Pimlico, home of the Preakness Stakes
Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras breaks left forearm when hit by J.D. Martinez’s bat
Illinois Democrats’ law changing the choosing of legislative candidates faces GOP opposition
27 Non-Alcoholic Beverages For Refreshing Spring & Summer Mocktails