← Back to Mega Millions

Mega Millions Tax Breakdown

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Annuity (30 years)
$80,000,000
Cash Option
$35,600,000

After-Tax Payouts by State

Federal tax: 37% marginal rate • Click any state for 30-year schedule

StateState TaxAnnuity (After Tax)Cash (After Tax)
Arizona2.5%$49,654,367$21,579,812
Arkansas3.9%$48,534,367$21,081,412
California0%$51,654,367$22,469,812
Colorado4%$48,454,367$21,045,812
Connecticut6.99%$46,062,367$19,981,372
Delaware6.6%$46,374,367$20,120,212
District of Columbia8.5%$44,854,367$19,443,812
Florida0%$51,654,367$22,469,812
Georgia5.75%$47,054,367$20,422,812
Idaho6%$46,854,367$20,333,812
Illinois4.95%$47,694,367$20,707,612
Indiana3.15%$49,134,367$21,348,412
Iowa5%$47,654,367$20,689,812
Kansas5%$47,654,367$20,689,812
Kentucky4.5%$48,054,367$20,867,812
Louisiana4.25%$48,254,367$20,956,812
Maine7.15%$45,934,367$19,924,412
Maryland8.75%$44,654,367$19,354,812
Massachusetts5%$47,654,367$20,689,812
Michigan4.25%$48,254,367$20,956,812
Minnesota7.25%$45,854,367$19,888,812
Missouri4%$48,454,367$21,045,812
Montana6.75%$46,254,367$20,066,812
Nebraska5%$47,654,367$20,689,812
New Hampshire0%$51,654,367$22,469,812
New Jersey8%$45,254,367$19,621,812
New Mexico6%$46,854,367$20,333,812
New York8.82%$44,598,367$19,329,892
North Carolina4.75%$47,854,367$20,778,812
North Dakota2.9%$49,334,367$21,437,412
Ohio3.99%$48,462,367$21,049,372
Oklahoma4.75%$47,854,367$20,778,812
Oregon8%$45,254,367$19,621,812
Pennsylvania3.07%$49,198,367$21,376,892
Puerto Rico0%$51,654,367$22,469,812
Rhode Island5.99%$46,862,367$20,337,372
South Carolina7%$46,054,367$19,977,812
South Dakota0%$51,654,367$22,469,812
Tennessee0%$51,654,367$22,469,812
Texas0%$51,654,367$22,469,812
US Virgin Islands0%$51,654,367$22,469,812
Vermont6%$46,854,367$20,333,812
Virginia4%$48,454,367$21,045,812
Washington0%$51,654,367$22,469,812
West Virginia6.5%$46,454,367$20,155,812
Wisconsin7.65%$45,534,367$19,746,412
Wyoming0%$51,654,367$22,469,812

Tax Planning Tips

  • Annuity vs. Cash: Annuity provides 30 years of growing payments (~5 percent annual increase). Cash option is about 47 percent of annuity value.
  • Federal Taxes: Top marginal rate of 37 percent applies to lottery winnings over the highest bracket thresholds.
  • State Taxes Vary: Some states have no income tax on lottery winnings, while others are much higher.
  • Do Not Forget: Additional taxes may apply (Medicare surtax, local taxes). Consult a tax professional immediately.
  • Anonymity: Some states allow winners to remain anonymous. Check your state's laws before claiming.

Cash vs. Annuity Decision

Choose Annuity If:

  • • You want guaranteed income for 30 years
  • • You are worried about spending it all too quickly
  • • You prefer protection from bad investments
  • • You want payments to grow about 5 percent annually

Choose Cash If:

  • • You have a solid investment plan
  • • You can earn more than 5 percent annual returns safely
  • • You want full control of your money now
  • • You have expert financial advisors