Map: How much of the $607M Mega Millions jackpot would a winner lose to taxes? (2024)

(NEXSTAR) — Another Mega Millions jackpot is brewing — this time, a $607 million prize that ranks among the largest in history. You won’t, however, be taking home $607 million if you’re lucky enough to win.

This jackpot has been building since two tickets — both sold at the same California gas station — landed a $394 million prize in December. After no ticket was able to match the winning numbers drawn Tuesday, the Mega Millions jackpot rolled to an estimated $607 million.

According to game officials, this is only the eighth time the Mega Millions jackpot has surpassed $600 million. It now ranks as the eighth-largest jackpot in Mega Millions history, standing behind a $648 million prize won by two tickets, sold in California and Georgia, in 2013.

But if you win, depending on where you live, the jackpot may feel much, much smaller.

Here’s why.

If you’re familiar with big lottery prizes or other gambling wins, you know you have to pay taxes on your prize. How much you pay will depend on where you live.

That’s also true for Mega Millions jackpots, regardless of whether you take the annuitized prize (the advertised number of $607 million, in this case) or the cash payout (estimated at $286.9 million ahead of Friday’s drawing).

As soon as you accept your payout, a large chunk of it is withheld for taxes.

Thoughsome states do not have a state lottery tax withholding, they all must withhold 24% in federal tax on prizes as large as this jackpot. With additional taxes, you’ll see roughly 37% of your prize money withheld, should you win.

At best, according to an analysis by USA Mega, a Mega Millions jackpot winner will get about $383.7 million with the annuitized payout (30 annual payments that gradually increase) or $180.8 million — that’s $223.3 million or $106.1 million you’d lose to taxes, respectively. This is only for states that don’t have a state lottery tax withholding, though you’ll likely have to pay taxes on it later.

Outside of those few states, a jackpot winner (with a federal filing status of single) in Arizona will take home the most money: $173.6 million with the cash option or about $368.5 million after all of the annuitized payments. That means $113.3 million or $238.5 million, respectively, goes directly toward taxes.

Those in New York state profit the least, at $317.5 million with the annuitized payments or $149.5 million with the cash lump sum. That can also vary based on the city they live in. The tax bill? For the annuitized option, $289.5 million, and for the cash payout, $137.4 million.

The interactive map below shows the estimated amount a winner in each state would receive after taxes have been withheld and all 30 annuitized payments have been issued. If you hover over or tap on a state, you’ll also see the estimated post-tax cash prize payout a winner would get, according to USA Mega’s analysis.

You’ll notice a few states are gray on the map — these do not participate in Mega Millions.

It’s important to remember that these are estimates. The jackpot could go up or down before the next drawing. Plus, a jackpot can be split between multiple winners. While the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are roughly 1 in 302.6 million, more than 20 have been split by two (and in one case, four) tickets that matched the winning numbers.

That includes the most recent jackpot win in California late last year. Only once before, in 2011, has the jackpot been split twice in a row, Mega Millions records show.

If you’re lucky enough to win the jackpot, even if you aren’t the sole winner,experts recommendmoving quickly to assemble a team that includes an attorney, a tax advisor and a financial advisor. They also encourage protecting your ticket and keeping your victory a secret for as long as possible.

That may be easier in some states than others — only a select fewlet winners of a jackpot this large remain anonymous.

Ready to try your luck? The next drawing will be held Friday at 11 p.m. ET.

Mega Millions tickets are $2 each and sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition to Fridays, drawings are held on Tuesdays at 11 p.m. ET. Players have a 1 in 24 chance of winning any Mega Millions prize.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Map: How much of the $607M Mega Millions jackpot would a winner lose to taxes? (2024)

FAQs

Map: How much of the $607M Mega Millions jackpot would a winner lose to taxes? ›

At best, according to an analysis by USA Mega, a Mega Millions jackpot winner will get about $383.7 million with the annuitized payout (30 annual payments that gradually increase) or $180.8 million — that's $223.3 million or $106.1 million you'd lose to taxes, respectively.

What percentage of Mega Millions goes to taxes? ›

Most states charge taxes on winnings, too, which range from 2.5% to 10.9%. Eight states don't charge any income tax on lottery winnings: California, Florida, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.

How much is the $600 million lottery after taxes? ›

The cash prize amount will drop to around $223 million after a mandatory federal tax withholding of 24% is deducted. Depending on the winner's final taxable income, they may face up to a 37% federal marginal rate—further cutting down their fortune to $184.8 million.

What is the tax withholding on the Mega Millions? ›

Before seeing a penny of the jackpot, the winner will pay a 24% mandatory upfront federal withholding to the IRS. If they choose the $536.6 million cash option, the 24% withholding automatically reduces the prize by about $129 million.

How much is the $750 million lottery after taxes? ›

The lump sum prize drops to $271.5 million after a mandatory federal tax withholding of 24% is applied. Depending on their taxable income, the winner could then face a federal marginal rate as high as 37%, cutting their winnings further to $225.1 million.

What is the federal tax rate on lottery winnings? ›

Lottery winnings, considered taxable income, are subject to both federal and state income taxes. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) imposes a federal tax rate of 24%, and California's state income tax, with rates ranging from 1% to 13.3%, adds an additional layer of taxation.

How much will I pay in taxes if I win a million dollars? ›

How much do I pay in taxes if I win 1,000,000? If your gross prize for lump sum payout is $1,000,000, you need to pay $334,072 in total tax ($240,000 federal withholding, plus the remaining $94,072 for single filing status in 2021).

Do lottery winnings affect social security? ›

Do lottery winnings count as earned income for Social Security purposes? Lottery winnings are not considered earned income, no matter how much work it was purchasing your tickets. Therefore, they do not affect your Social Security benefits.

Is it better to take the lump sum or annuity lottery? ›

“I honestly think most people are probably better off taking the annuity.” As mentioned, the annuity option means you'll receive a check every year with another, slightly larger portion of your lottery winnings. While that annual allowance may sound annoying to a newfound jackpot winner, it can also help protect you.

How much tax is taken from the 700 million lottery winnings? ›

The cash payout drops to $248.7 million after a mandatory federal tax withholding of 24% is applied. The winner may then face a 37% federal marginal rate—depending on their taxable income—dropping their winnings further to $206.2 million.

How much would you get if you won $100 million dollars? ›

So, you may ask, "How much do I get if I win the Powerball?" It is about 52 percent of the total jackpot amount (before taxes). For example, if the Powerball jackpot is at $100 million, the cash value would be around $52 million.

What is the 30 year payout for Mega Millions? ›

The estimated value of annuity payments over 30 years is $1.35 billion, which averages $45 million per year. The Mega Millions annuity comprises one immediate payment and 29 annual payments, and the payouts are made on an annual basis.

What is the annuity option for the Mega Millions? ›

What if you win the jackpot? Annuity option: The Mega Millions annuity is paid out as one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments. Each payment is 5% bigger than the previous one. This helps protect winners' lifestyle and purchasing power in periods of inflation.

How long does it take to get your money if you win the Powerball? ›

Your first annuity payment, or the single cash option payment, should arrive within six to eight weeks. There are generally no California state taxes for Lottery prizes, but we are required to withhold federal taxes.

Are lottery annuity payments guaranteed? ›

It is true that lottery annuities are generally guaranteed, backed by the state or insurance companies that issue them. They offer a steady income over a period, typically 20-30 years, reducing the risk of spending all winnings at once. However, consider inflation and your financial goals before choosing an annuity.

How much does the 2 billion lottery winner get after taxes? ›

Senior Contributor. I focus on taxes and litigation. The winning Powerball ticket was sold at Joe's Service Center in Altadena, California, entitling the ticket holder to a massive $2.04 billion jackpot.

What percentage of Mega Millions is paid out? ›

Mega Millions cash value calculator. How much will I get? Choosing to get paid at once today will get you only about 80% of your total jackpot winnings, and after you pay taxes on your winnings, you'll probably end up with around 50%.

How much is the 1 billion lottery taxed? ›

A 24% federal tax withholding is taken right away, dropping the lump sum estimate to about $363.4 million. Because the federal government counts lottery winnings as income, the winner could be moved into a tax bracket facing a tax rate as high as 37%, which could drop the lump sum to around $301.3 million.

How much of the lottery do you actually get? ›

When it comes to lottery prizes, the first thing that happens after you turn in that winning ticket and get your lump sum is that the federal government takes 24% of the winnings off the top. But the payments don't end there. You will owe the rest of the tax — the difference between 24% and 37% — at tax time next year.

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