Powerball prize tiers after tax
Worked example: a Texas resident, no state tax, and the conservative 37% federal rate applied to each prize. The after-tax column is a planning estimate, not the amount of your claim check. Smaller prizes usually face a lower effective federal rate. California non-jackpot prizes vary with sales and winners.
| Match | Cash prize | Federal withheld | After tax estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match 5 | $1.0M | $240,000 | $630,000 |
| Match 5 + Power Play | $2.0M | $480,000 | $1.3M |
| 4 + Powerball | $50,000 | $12,000 | $31,500 |
| 4 | $100 | $0 | $63 |
| 3 + Powerball | $100 | $0 | $63 |
| 3 | $7 | $0 | $4 |
| 2 + Powerball | $7 | $0 | $4 |
| 1 + Powerball | $4 | $0 | $3 |
| Powerball only | $4 | $0 | $3 |
What Power Play changes
The $1 Power Play add-on multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x or 10x. Match 5 is the exception: it becomes $2 million regardless of the multiplier. The 10x option is available only when the advertised jackpot is $150 million or less. Power Play never multiplies the jackpot.
For a fixed prize, select Other amount and enter the prize in millions in both fields: enter 1 and 1 for a $1 million cash prize. This prevents the tool from applying the estimated jackpot cash ratio.
Withholding and your final tax bill
Regular federal withholding is 24% only when proceeds exceed $5,000 after the wager. Smaller prizes remain taxable. Our tool uses the entered amount as proceeds and applies 37% to the whole amount for planning. Your actual federal bill uses income brackets, filing status and deductions. State rates and their checked dates are linked below; local taxes and nonresident rules can also matter.
Powerball questions
How much is a $1 million Powerball prize after taxes?
The table shows the Texas example using a 37% federal assumption. Select your state and enter a $1 million cash prize to include its verified rate. Withholding is only a prepayment of tax.
Does the advertised jackpot equal the cash prize?
No. It is the total of 30 annuity payments. The cash option is a separate, smaller amount. Use the published cash value when available.
Where can I compare all 30 payments?
The main calculator compares the payout choices; the payout tool provides a full static payment schedule.
Lottery payout calculator: all 30 annuity payments
Mega Millions tax calculator and multiplier prizes
Related guides
Powerball prize chart and Power Play ? Cash value explained ? All-game tax calculator
Sources and assumptions
Game facts checked November 5, 2026: Powerball game and payout rules and prize chart. Tax sources: IRS withholding instructions (2026), 2026 federal rate sources and calculation method and the dated state sources below. Estimates, not tax advice.