Current:Home > ScamsIf you in the $935 million Powerball, just how much would you have to pay in taxes? A lot. -Mastery Money Tools
If you in the $935 million Powerball, just how much would you have to pay in taxes? A lot.
View
Date:2025-04-19 19:42:43
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! (11264)
Related
- 'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
- Freddie Freeman's emotional return to Dodgers includes standing ovation in first at bat
- Freddie Freeman's emotional return to Dodgers includes standing ovation in first at bat
- Last Chance Summer Sale: Save Up to 73% at Pottery Barn, 72% at Pottery Barn Teen, and 69% at West Elm
- Louvre will undergo expansion and restoration project, Macron says
- PHOTO COLLECTION: AP Top Photos of the Day Tuesday August 6, 2024
- Man who decapitated newlywed wife sentenced to 40 years in Texas prison
- US rolls into semifinals of Paris Olympic basketball tournament, eases past Brazil 122-87
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Georgia property owners battle railroad company in ongoing eminent domain case
Ranking
- Highlights from Trump’s interview with Time magazine
- After dark days on stock markets, see where economy stands now
- Republican activist becomes first person to be convicted in Arizona’s fake elector case
- California’s two biggest school districts botched AI deals. Here are lessons from their mistakes.
- Moving abroad can be expensive: These 5 countries will 'pay' you to move there
- Ex-Illinois deputy shot Sonya Massey out of fear for his life, sheriff's report says
- Olympic women's soccer final: Live Bracket, schedule for gold medal game
- No drinking and only Christian music during Sunday Gospel Hour at Nashville’s most iconic honky tonk
Recommendation
Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
Buca di Beppo files for bankruptcy and closes restaurants. Which locations remain open?
White Sox end AL record-tying losing streak at 21 games with a 5-1 victory over the Athletics
Josh Hall Mourns Death of Longtime Friend Gonzalo Galvez
Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
E! Exclusive Deal: Score 21% off a Relaxing Aromatherapy Bundle Before Back-to-School Stress Sets In
'The Final Level': Popular GameStop magazine Game Informer ends, abruptly lays off staff
Texas man whose lawyers say is intellectually disabled facing execution for 1997 killing of jogger