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Mega Millions Payout and Tax Calculator

You won’t find many lotteries as generous with major prizes as US Mega Millions. Only the luckiest few win large rewards in this game. If you are in that group, our Mega Millions payout and tax calculator is here to help.

Our tool will help to calculate your entire payout, whether you use annuity or lump sum payments. This utility calculates taxes and shows approximate payment structures. You’ll also discover more about applicable taxes and see payout examples, so don’t hesitate to start reading!

How the Mega Millions Payout and Tax Calculator Works

Forget about having to do complex math to calculate your Mega Millions winnings. Lottery ‘n Go prepared a simple calculator that will do that math for you.In less than a second, it will compare potential payments when using lottery annuity or lump sum payouts. That will assist in choosing the option that suits you more.

Additionally, you don’t have to worry about current tax rates. We make sure our tool is updated with the latest percentages, so the estimations are as accurate as possible. And the best part is that the calculator is easy to use. It only takes a few clicks to see the results!

How to Use Our Calculator?

There’s no learning curve with the Lottery ‘n Go payout and tax calculator. It only takes seconds to provide the required information and calculate your prize.

Here is a simple step-by-step guide to follow:

  1. Type the winning sum in the suitable field. You don’t have to type commas, and numbers are enough.
  2. Pick the state to apply its relevant taxes.
  3. Click to perform the calculation.
  4. Check out the results and see your payout and tax scheme.

If you want to use the tool again, just change the information and click on Calculate Payout again.

Glossary of Terms

We understand that it may be confusing for lottery newbies – or people who are just learning to play Mega Millions –  to understand some of the terms in this guide – without consulting a dictionary. This is why we included a glossary to help you. Below are the definitions of some of the most common terms.

Annuity Payment: This is a payment method where the total lottery sum is split into separate installments to be paid over a period of 30 years. The value increases by 5 percent every year to account for inflation. 

Lump Sum Payment: This is a one-time payment method where the winner collects the entire winnings at once. Opting for this option grants about 61 percent of the advertised jackpot to the winner.

Estimated Jackpot: This is the total payment that a winner receives if they opt to collect their winnings with the annuity option. The estimated jackpot in a lottery depends on various factors, such as the rules of the lottery, the number of tickets sold, and the current jackpot prize amount.

Federal Taxes: This is the portion of your Mega Millions winnings that will be withheld by the Federal government as tax. It usually ranges between 24 to 37 percent of the lottery winnings.

State Taxes: This is an additional tax charged by the state. It can range from 0% to 8% or more, depending on the state. Some states exempt lottery winnings from state taxes, while others apply state taxes to the entire amount of the winnings. 

Tax Liability: This is the total amount that the lottery winner has to pay to the government. It can be calculated by adding the federal tax + state tax + local taxes.

Gross Payout: This is the value of the advertised jackpot; it is the total prize awarded to the winner before subtracting taxes from it.

Net Payout: This is the remaining value of the lottery winnings after removing federal and state taxes.

What is the Mega Millions Payout?

You will get two payment options when you win the US Mega Millions.

The first option is an annuity payment. That implies you’ll get yearly installments of your prize for the next 30 years. The installments aren’t equal, and they increase gradually. That’s because the lottery offers a scheme that adapts the payments to inflation rates. If you choose annuity payments, you get the entire prize sum. That’s because the lottery keeps the lump amount during that time and invests it. They can earn from interest, so they are ready to give you the entire sum. Your reward is guaranteed because Mega Millions is an official game supported by state governments.

The other option is a lump sum payment, and it’s more tempting for most lottery winners. You get the entire sum immediately, but the lottery lowers it to about 61% of the advertised prize. That’s because they can’t earn from interest like if you choose annuity installments.

What Are the Applicable Taxes When You Win the Mega Millions?

Federal Taxes on Lottery Winnings

You have two options for paying federal taxes, and those include:

  • Residents. The federal tax rate begins at 24%. It can increase if you are in a higher tax bracket. The maximum rate is 37%.
  • Non-residents. You pay a flat 30% rate if you aren’t a US resident.

State Taxes

States have the right to impose taxes on lotteries if they feel that’s necessary. Some choose not to tax lotto winnings, such as California or Delaware. On the other hand, New York is quite harsh and has a rate of 8.82% on lottery wins. The majority of states keep the rate at about 5%. North Dakota offers a most favorable state tax on lotto winnings – it’s 2.9%.

If you need more info, you can get it in our lottery payout and tax guide.

Local Taxes

Do you live in a county or municipality that has applicable lottery taxes? If yes, you’ll need to pay them. These vary significantly, but they are usually from 1% to 5%.

And if you aren’t a US resident, your country might also have applicable taxes. Once you transfer money to your account in that country, make sure to check if you need to pay any tax.

An Example of How to Calculate Mega Millions Payout 

Choosing annuity payments means your prize remains complete. So, if you won $1 million, here is how that works:

  1. The entire $1 million sum is taxable. That means you need to pay at least 24% ($240K) for federal taxes.
  2. If you play in Arizona, the tax is 5%, which means $50K in your case.
  3. The total tax money is $290K, so you receive $710K.
  4. The lottery spreads your payments over 30 yearly installments. It depends, but they can begin at $15K and rise to $61K in the last installment. The lottery adjusts the installments to the predicted inflation rate. They don’t charge taxes at once, but you also pay only applicable taxes to every released installment.

What if you choose a lump-sum payment? We already mentioned the lottery lowers your prize.Here’s an example:

  1. You win $1 million. The lottery adjusts the sum to around 61%. Your actual prize is $610K.
  2. The applicable taxes are 24% at a federal level and 5% at a state level (the actual rates might vary). You pay $146.4 for the federal tax and $30.5K to the state.
  3. You receive $610K – $146.4K – $30.5K = $433K. The entire sum gets transferred to your account.

FAQs about Mega Millions Payout

How accurate is the Mega Millions Payout and Tax Calculator?
Our Mega Millions Payout and Tax Calculator tool is highly accurate. We keep our tool updated with the latest tax rates, so the estimations are as accurate as possible. Therefore, you can always trust it to deliver accurate results.

Can I use the Mega Millions Calculator on other lottery games?
Yes, you can use the Mega Millions calculator on other lottery games because the tax rate remains the same regardless of the lottery game.  It will accurately provide the expected payout and tax charges.

Do I have to pay taxes on my Mega Millions winnings?
Yes, you have to pay taxes on your Mega Millions winnings. Winnings from Mega Millions are subject to federal, state, and local taxes. It is important to consult with a tax professional to determine the amount of tax you may owe on your Mega Millions winnings. Our Mega Millions tax calculator can also give you a clear idea of how much you will be required to pay.

How to calculate Mega Millions payout?
You can calculate your prize in just a few seconds by providing the necessary information. Fill in the advertised jackpots and pick the state where you purchased your lottery tickets. Then click “Calculate Payout”. You will immediately see your mega millions payout and tax.

What if I don’t live in the state where I bought the ticket?
All players pay the federal tax, and the rates vary for US residents and foreigners. As for the state tax, you pay it to the state where you reside. It’s only in Arizona and Maryland where you pay this tax even if you don’t live there.

Is it better to take a lump sum or annuity when you hit the lottery?
Lump sums and annuities are both great options, but the decision ultimately comes down to financial goals and individual preference. You should consider factors such as tax implications, spending needs, and investment strategy. If you are unsure of which option is best for you, you may want to seek the advice of a financial advisor.

More Useful Lottery Tools, Software, and Calculator

As you can see, our Mega Millions calculator is simple and helps you to compare different payment structures. Don’t hesitate to check our Powerball payout and tax calculator if you win in that lottery.

The main requirement to win is to choose the right combination on your tickets. You can consult our guide on how to win the US Mega Millions guaranteed for tips that can spur you to lottery success. We also offer expert information on Mega Million odds, and how you can improve your chances.

You can check our tool to find your lucky numbers. But if you have time and like strategizing, our lottery software list includes tools you should try. They analyze previous draws and use advanced methods to help you find the desired numbers for the next draw!

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Mega Millions

USD 875 Million

Next draw: Tuesday, Mar 19, 2024