“Breaking Records: Powerball Jackpot Surges Past $725 Million, But Beware of Tax Obligations”
“Behind the Numbers: Understanding How Taxes Diminish the Seventh-Largest Powerball Prize”
“The Fine Print: Demystifying the 24% Federal Withholding on Multimillion-Dollar Powerball Jackpot Winnings”
According to lottery officials, the Powerball jackpot has surged to an impressive $725 million, positioning it as the seventh-largest reward ever offered in the game’s history.However, it’s crucial to note that the actual winnings significantly decrease once taxes are factored in.Should you find yourself in possession of the winning ticket, you’ll be faced with two options to claim your windfall: a lump sum payment of approximately $366.2 million or an annuitized prize valued at $725 million, distributed annually.
According to John Chichester Jr., a certified financial planner and CEO of Chichester Financial Group in Phoenix, one notable aspect of the lottery is the option to receive winnings through annuity payments over a 30-year period. This unique feature provides greater flexibility when it comes to managing tax obligations. By opting for annuity payments, you can avoid a substantial upfront tax burden and instead invest the money in a tax-efficient manner, as advised by Chichester, who is also a certified public accountant. The chances of winning the Powerball jackpot stand at approximately 1 in 292 million.
Almost $88 million goes to the IRS
Prior to receiving any portion of the substantial multimillion-dollar jackpot, winners are subject to a mandatory 24% federal withholding that is remitted to the IRS. This withholding requirement applies to winnings exceeding $5,000. If you decide to opt for the $366.2 million cash option, the 24% withholding automatically reduces your share by approximately $88 million. However, it is a common misconception among taxpayers that they are fully exempt from further tax obligations after this initial 24% deduction, cautioned Chichester. Chichester clarified, “While the 24% is deducted upfront, it’s important to remember that you are still responsible for an additional 13% at some point in the future.”
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Winning millions in the lottery can propel you into the highest federal income tax bracket. In 2023, the 37% tax rate is applicable to taxable incomes of $578,126 or higher for single filers, and $693,751 or more for married couples filing jointly. To calculate taxable income, you deduct the greater of the standard or itemized deductions from your adjusted gross income. However, it’s important to note that the 37% rate does not apply to your entire taxable income. For single filers in 2023, the tax owed is $174,238.25 plus 37% of any amount over $578,125. For married couples filing jointly, the total tax liability is $186,601.50 plus 37% of any amount exceeding $693,750. The final tax bill varies based on several factors but has the potential to amount to millions more.