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Mega Millions Tax Breakdown

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Annuity (30 years)
$345,000,000
Cash Option
$139,600,000

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%$209,979,367$84,499,812
Arkansas3.9%$205,149,367$82,545,412
California0%$218,604,367$87,989,812
Colorado4%$204,804,367$82,405,812
Connecticut6.99%$194,488,867$78,231,772
Delaware6.6%$195,834,367$78,776,212
District of Columbia8.5%$189,279,367$76,123,812
Florida0%$218,604,367$87,989,812
Georgia5.75%$198,766,867$79,962,812
Idaho6%$197,904,367$79,613,812
Illinois4.95%$201,526,867$81,079,612
Indiana3.15%$207,736,867$83,592,412
Iowa5%$201,354,367$81,009,812
Kansas5%$201,354,367$81,009,812
Kentucky4.5%$203,079,367$81,707,812
Louisiana4.25%$203,941,867$82,056,812
Maine7.15%$193,936,867$78,008,412
Maryland8.75%$188,416,867$75,774,812
Massachusetts5%$201,354,367$81,009,812
Michigan4.25%$203,941,867$82,056,812
Minnesota7.25%$193,591,867$77,868,812
Missouri4%$204,804,367$82,405,812
Montana6.75%$195,316,867$78,566,812
Nebraska5%$201,354,367$81,009,812
New Hampshire0%$218,604,367$87,989,812
New Jersey8%$191,004,367$76,821,812
New Mexico6%$197,904,367$79,613,812
New York8.82%$188,175,367$75,677,092
North Carolina4.75%$202,216,867$81,358,812
North Dakota2.9%$208,599,367$83,941,412
Ohio3.99%$204,838,867$82,419,772
Oklahoma4.75%$202,216,867$81,358,812
Oregon8%$191,004,367$76,821,812
Pennsylvania3.07%$208,012,867$83,704,092
Puerto Rico0%$218,604,367$87,989,812
Rhode Island5.99%$197,938,867$79,627,772
South Carolina7%$194,454,367$78,217,812
South Dakota0%$218,604,367$87,989,812
Tennessee0%$218,604,367$87,989,812
Texas0%$218,604,367$87,989,812
US Virgin Islands0%$218,604,367$87,989,812
Vermont6%$197,904,367$79,613,812
Virginia4%$204,804,367$82,405,812
Washington0%$218,604,367$87,989,812
West Virginia6.5%$196,179,367$78,915,812
Wisconsin7.65%$192,211,867$77,310,412
Wyoming0%$218,604,367$87,989,812

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