Current:Home > InvestIf you in the $935 million Powerball, just how much would you have to pay in taxes? A lot. -Aspire Money Growth
If you in the $935 million Powerball, just how much would you have to pay in taxes? A lot.
Charles H. Sloan View
Date:2025-04-08 07:50:40
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! (755)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Browns’ plans for move to new dome stadium hits snag as county backs city’s renovation proposal
- USA vs. France basketball highlights: American women win 8th straight Olympic gold
- Dozens of dogs, cats and other animals in ‘horrid’ condition rescued from a Connecticut home
- Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
- Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran directs homophobic slur at fan, issues apology
- UNC women's soccer coach Anson Dorrance, who won 21 NCAA titles, retires
- Jordan Chiles May Keep Olympic Bronze Medal After All as USA Gymnastics Submits New Evidence to Court
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- RHONJ's Teresa Giudice Defends Husband Luis Ruelas Wishing Suffering on Margaret Josephs' Son
Ranking
- 'No Good Deed': Who's the killer in the Netflix comedy? And will there be a Season 2?
- Solid state batteries for EVs: 600 miles of range in 9 minutes?
- Mega Millions winning numbers for August 9 drawing: Jackpot rises to $435 million
- USWNT wins its fifth Olympic gold medal in women’s soccer with a 1-0 victory over Brazil in final
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Brittney Griner’s tears during national anthem show how much this Olympic gold medal means
- Americans’ refusal to keep paying higher prices may be dealing a final blow to US inflation spike
- Diana Taurasi has 6 Olympic golds. Will she be at LA2028? Yep, having a beer with Sue Bird
Recommendation
Global Warming Set the Stage for Los Angeles Fires
Tom Cruise crashes Paris Olympics closing ceremony with thrilling rappel, skydiving stunt
After another gold medal, is US women's basketball best Olympic dynasty of all time?
Olympic medal count today: What is the medal count at 2024 Paris Games on Sunday?
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Kate Middleton Makes Surprise Appearance in Royal Olympics Video
Catfish Host Nev Schulman Shares He Broke His Neck in a Bike Accident
Mega Millions winning numbers for August 9 drawing: Jackpot rises to $435 million