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Mega Millions Tax Breakdown

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Annuity (30 years)
$0
Cash Option
$0

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%$0$0
Arkansas3.9%$0$0
California0%$0$0
Colorado4%$0$0
Connecticut6.99%$0$0
Delaware6.6%$0$0
District of Columbia8.5%$0$0
Florida0%$0$0
Georgia5.75%$0$0
Idaho6%$0$0
Illinois4.95%$0$0
Indiana3.15%$0$0
Iowa5%$0$0
Kansas5%$0$0
Kentucky4.5%$0$0
Louisiana4.25%$0$0
Maine7.15%$0$0
Maryland8.75%$0$0
Massachusetts5%$0$0
Michigan4.25%$0$0
Minnesota7.25%$0$0
Missouri4%$0$0
Montana6.75%$0$0
Nebraska5%$0$0
New Hampshire0%$0$0
New Jersey8%$0$0
New Mexico6%$0$0
New York8.82%$0$0
North Carolina4.75%$0$0
North Dakota2.9%$0$0
Ohio3.99%$0$0
Oklahoma4.75%$0$0
Oregon8%$0$0
Pennsylvania3.07%$0$0
Puerto Rico0%$0$0
Rhode Island5.99%$0$0
South Carolina7%$0$0
South Dakota0%$0$0
Tennessee0%$0$0
Texas0%$0$0
US Virgin Islands0%$0$0
Vermont6%$0$0
Virginia4%$0$0
Washington0%$0$0
West Virginia6.5%$0$0
Wisconsin7.65%$0$0
Wyoming0%$0$0

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