Lottery Jackpot Tax Calculator
🇺🇸 US-specific: 2026 federal 24% withholding rule, federal tax brackets, and real state top-marginal tax rates.
Enter a non-negative jackpot amount and other income.
Lotteries must withhold 24% federal tax immediately, but most jackpots land in the 37% top bracket — so the "federal gap" above is what you'll typically owe more of at filing (a negative gap means you may get some back). State tax uses each state's top marginal income tax rate; some states have no income tax at all. For the annuity option, this only estimates the first payment — later payments depend on future tax brackets and income that can't be predicted today.
Free lottery winnings tax calculator for Powerball, Mega Millions, and other US lotteries — separates the 24% federal withholding taken immediately from the real tax bill at your top bracket, plus real 2026 state tax rates for all 50 states.
How it works
- Enter your jackpot amount and choose lump-sum cash or annuity (30 payments over 29 years)
- Pick your filing status, state, and any other income you expect that year
- See the 24% withheld immediately, the real federal + state tax owed, and the gap between them
Frequently asked questions
Why is my check so much smaller than the advertised jackpot?
Two reasons stack together: lotteries are required to withhold 24% federal tax immediately, but most jackpots land you in the 37% top bracket — so you'll owe more at filing time. On top of that, your state may take its own cut (0% in states like Texas and Florida, up to 13.3% in California).
How does the annuity option work?
The official structure (confirmed via Mega Millions) is one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments, each 5% bigger than the last, totaling 30 payments. This calculator estimates tax on the first year's payment only — later years depend on future tax brackets and income that can't be predicted today.
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Update history
- 2026-09-08 Launched: lottery jackpot tax calculator separating the 24% mandatory federal withholding from the real tax bill at your bracket, with real 2026 state tax rates for all 50 states + DC, and an annuity-vs-lump-sum toggle using the official 30-payment/5%-growth structure.