What you'd keep from tonight's jackpot in every state

By Nazadev · Page updated 2026-11-03 · How we calculate

Same ticket, same numbers, very different checks. This table takes the next Powerball jackpot, uses the lump-sum cash value and subtracts the top federal rate (37%) and the state tax where the winner lives. It shows the 20 states whose rules we have checked against the state's own revenue department, and marks the others "being verified" instead of guessing.

Verified rate Being verified (federal tax only)

"You keep" = cash value minus 37% federal tax and the state's top rate on lottery winnings, for a resident of that state who buys and claims at home. City taxes (New York City, Yonkers, Michigan and Ohio cities) are not included; New York City residents keep about 3.9 points less. For states marked "being verified" the figure is federal tax only, so the real take-home there is lower. Estimates, not tax advice.

How to read this table

• Cash value, not the headline jackpot. The advertised jackpot is a 30-payment annuity total. Most winners compare the cash option, which is much smaller. When the lottery's cash figure is not in our data yet, we estimate it at about 43% of the jackpot and say so. Read how cash value is calculated.
• Top rates. A jackpot puts almost the whole prize in the top federal and state brackets, so we use top rates. For Massachusetts that includes the 4% surtax; for New Jersey, the 10.75% rate on income over $1 million.
• Where you live. The ranking is by state of residence. If you bought the ticket in another state, that state may tax the prize too. See ticket state vs home state.
• Withheld vs owed. At claim time only 24% federal is withheld; the rest is due when you file. See 24% vs 37%.

For your own numbers, including the annuity and New York City or Yonkers tax, use the lottery tax calculator. Each verified state also has its own guide with withholding rules and sources: start from the state list.

Cite this table

Sources

• IRS: 2026 inflation adjustments (37% top bracket)
• IRS Instructions for Forms W-2G and 5754 (24% withholding)
• State rates: the sources listed on each state guide.