Search
Close this search box.

What Happens If You Win Mega Millions’ $1.6B Jackpot?


Despite the terrible odds — one in 302.5 million for those keeping score at home — someone will eventually match all six numbers and win the Mega Millions jackpot, which now stands at an estimated $1.6 billion. It could happen as soon as Tuesday night, when the next drawing is held.

That would leave most of us disappointed but some lucky winner beset by a host of questions. Here are some answers for someone holding that prized lottery ticket for what would be the largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history.

I’VE WON. NOW WHAT?

Lottery officials recommend winners take a deep breath, put their winning ticket in a safe spot and consult with a reputable financial planner before popping over to the lottery headquarters. Their first decision is whether to take the cash option, which would be $904 million, or an annuity, with one initial payment and annual installments over 29 years. Nearly all winners opt for cash, but the annuity has advantages, as it reduces the tax bill a little and offers a stable flow of income that climbs by 5 percent annually.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO CLAIM THE JACKPOT?

States have different rules, so depending on where you purchased the ticket, you have from 180 days to a year.

DO I GET MY MONEY INSTANTLY?

No, you can’t just cash one of those oversized checks shown in all the winner photos. Payment speed also varies by state, but a week or two is common. Carole Gentry, a spokeswoman for the Maryland lottery, said the requirement is seven to 10 days in that state.

CAN I KEEP MY NAME SECRET?

Jackpot winners can remain anonymous in eight states — Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas. In Arizona, people who win more than $600 can keep their names secret for 90 days after claiming prizes, but after that names are public record. In Michigan, winners are anonymous unless they win Mega Millions or Powerball prizes.

WHAT ABOUT TAXES?

For winners of $5,000 or more, all states automatically deduct 24 percent in federal taxes, but state taxes vary widely. Some big states, including California, don’t withhold taxes from lottery winnings, and some like Texas don’t have individual income taxes at all. For the others, the state takes a bite, especially in New York, where a winner would need to pay a state tax of 8.8 percent. Residents of New York City would pay an additional tax of 3.9 percent. In general, taxes eat up nearly half of winnings.

Melissa Labant, a tax policy expert at the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, said winners should realize that while taxes are initially withheld when prizes are awarded, more money will likely be due at tax time as people suddenly are in up to a 37 percent tax bracket.

“That catches people off guard,” she said. “You have to be prepared to write another check to the IRS in April.”

WHAT ARE MY TAXES IF I DON’T LIVE IN THE STATE WHERE I BOUGHT THE TICKET?

This can get complicated, but for the most part winners pay taxes where they bought the ticket and then can get a credit on their taxes in their home state. The final tax bill can depend on if the state where you live taxes at a higher or lower rate than where you purchased the ticket. Rules vary by state, so this is a good topic for that financial planner.

(AP)



2 Responses

  1. Main shortfall: Current prize format is an “all or nothing”. Although the second prize is. $ 1 million , the third tier prizes are $50,000 for Powerball and Only $10,000 for Mega (“cheap”). Why are these third tier prizes not $500,000 , $250,000 , $100,000 so that more players would reap the advantage of a respectable prize?? The lottery structure rewards only the very few. with respectable prizes. This structure would distribute the loot with more players receiving Respectable returns , and simultaneously be an incentive for More people to play on a Regular basis(not just when top prizes are exorbitant)!!!!

  2. Thank you for this interesting and informative article. I have only one question remaining, let’s say one were to beat the ridiculous odds, win this monstrosity and opt for annunity rather than a cash payout… is the balance transferable via will or bequest should the winner pass before the terms of the annunity become complete and come to a close?

    Obviously there would be tax implications for the named heirs but is the deed doable? Thanking you in advance for anyone who is able to help answer me this question.

    -M.

Leave a Reply


Popular Posts