Current:Home > InvestIf you in the $935 million Powerball, just how much would you have to pay in taxes? A lot. -Prosperity Pathways
If you in the $935 million Powerball, just how much would you have to pay in taxes? A lot.
View
Date:2025-04-25 10:51:55
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! (5536)
Related
- The Louvre will be renovated and the 'Mona Lisa' will have her own room
- Phoenix seeks to end Justice Department probe of its police department without court supervision
- In 1989, a distraught father was filmed finding the body of his 5-year-old son. He's now accused in the boy's murder.
- Publix Deli bbq sauce recalled over potential fish allergen not on the label
- Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
- Burberry’s share price drops 10% as luxury brand warns about trading over crucial Christmas period
- Who is Crown Prince Frederik, Denmark’s soon-to-be king?
- Guyana rejects quest for US military base as territorial dispute with Venezuela deepens
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Jelly Roll, former drug dealer and current Grammy nominee, speaks against fentanyl to Senate
Ranking
- Moving abroad can be expensive: These 5 countries will 'pay' you to move there
- China says experts cracked Apple AirDrop encryption to prevent transmission of inappropriate information
- Kali Uchis announces pregnancy with Don Toliver in new music video
- Watch these humpback whales create a stunning Fibonacci spiral to capture prey
- Louvre will undergo expansion and restoration project, Macron says
- Schumer moving forward with temporary funding bill to avoid shutdown as spending talks continue
- Iowa community recalls 11-year-old boy with ‘vibrant soul’ killed in school shooting
- Watch these humpback whales create a stunning Fibonacci spiral to capture prey
Recommendation
Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
'Get well soon': Alabama football fans struggling with Saban's retirement as tributes grow
Brooklyn synagogue tunnel: Emergency work order issued for buildings around Chabad center
NHL trade deadline is less than two months away: Which teams could be sellers?
Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
Dabo Swinney Alabama clause: Buyout would increase for Clemson coach to replace Nick Saban
Michelle Troconis, accused of helping to cover up killing of Connecticut mother Jennifer Dulos, set to go on trial
Is eye color surgery the new fad? Interest soars as doctors warn of permanent risks.