Wager Mage
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich Pexels Logo Photo: Nataliya Vaitkevich

How much do you pay in taxes if you win $1000000?

The federal government, and all but a few state governments, will immediately have their hands out for a bit of your prize. The top federal tax rate is 37% for income over $500,000. The first thing that happens when you turn in that winning ticket is that the federal government takes 24% of the winnings off the top.

What does it mean +2.5 in a bet?
What does it mean +2.5 in a bet?

A 2.5 point spread means that the two teams match up pretty favorably, with one as the slight favorite. For the team getting -2.5 to successfully...

Read More »
How long do bookies take to pay out?
How long do bookies take to pay out?

The bookmaker will process your withdrawal and it can take any time up to 48 hours, with most emailing a confirmation to the customer once...

Read More »

The Mega Millions lottery top prize of $1.35 billion was won by a single ticket in Friday night’s drawing, an amount of money most of us have trouble even imagining. Mega Millions and other lotteries generally allow a winner to decide how they want to take possession of the jackpot — either by choosing an annuity where the jackpot is paid out over 30 years or by taking the money in one lump sum. According to lottery officials, most winners opt for the lump sum, or “cash option,” as Mega Millions calls the payout. In the case of the next Mega Millions jackpot of $1.35 billion, that amount would be $707.9 million. It’s a staggering pile of money, but it’s not exactly what you would pocket following your win. The federal government, and all but a few state governments, will immediately have their hands out for a bit of your prize. The top federal tax rate is 37% for income over $500,000. The first thing that happens when you turn in that winning ticket 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. So, let’s say you decide to take the cash option when you win the Mega Millions jackpot. If the jackpot remains at $1.35 billion for Friday’s drawing, the cash option is $707.9 million. The federal government will immediately take $169,896,000 from that cash option (24%). Remember, the rest of your federal tax bill comes next year and will cost you another $91,989,955. So, when you take the cash option, you will end up with $446,014,045 after federal taxes.

Now it is the state’s turn.

State tax rates on lottery winnings vary. If you live in Ohio, your state tax rate for lottery winnings is 3.99%. So after federal and state taxes, that leaves you with $417,768,835. If you live in New York, get out your wallet, because the state taxes lottery winnings at 8.82%. The lump sum most New York residents would get after federal and state taxes would be $368,852,945. Additional taxes are charged if you live in New York City or Yonkers. If you live in California, Delaware, Florida, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington or Wyoming there’s some good news for you — those states do not tax lottery winnings. This means if you live in those states and win, you will get $446,014,045 after federal taxes. One note: Your winnings could also be subject to local taxes in some states.

Mega Millions drawings are held on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Cox Media Group

What is the rarest golf score?
What is the rarest golf score?

albatross Scoring three-under-par on a single hole is one of the rarest feats in the sport. In golf, it's known as an albatross or a double-eagle....

Read More »
How can I predict football and win?
How can I predict football and win?

One of the best ways to predict football matches is by using data and statistics. You can use data to find patterns in how teams play. For example,...

Read More »

What is the best indicator of success?
What is the best indicator of success?

Research shows that traits like passion, mental toughness, constant learning and a willingness to take risks do lead to greater success. Hard work...

Read More »
What does a 6 to 1 parlay pay?
What does a 6 to 1 parlay pay?

Typical payouts for up to 10 team parlay bet Number Odds Amount won 3 Team Parlay 6 to 1 $600 4 Team Parlay 11 to 1 $1,100 5 Team Parlay 22 to 1...

Read More »
Can I withdraw my 1XBet welcome bonus?
Can I withdraw my 1XBet welcome bonus?

No, you can't cash out the welcome bonus before you meet the wagering requirements. Once you meet them, you can withdraw the funds then.

Read More »
What percent of sports gamblers win?
What percent of sports gamblers win?

Different studies spit out varying results, but somewhere between 3-5% of all sports bettors are profitable in the long run. Some turn into very...

Read More »