Calculate your lottery winnings after taxes in California. California has NO state tax on lottery winnings - only federal taxes apply. Get instant estimates for Powerball, Mega Millions, and all lottery games with our advanced calculator.
Quick estimates showing taxes withheld immediately plus liability estimates
California does not tax lottery winnings.
Enter the cash value amount. This lump sum will be taxed upfront.
Enter your details to see your after-tax winnings
Use our enhanced California lottery tax calculator with Simple/Advanced modes to estimate your after-tax winnings. Our calculator distinguishes between immediate withholding (24% federal for winnings over $5,000) and your actual tax liability when filing returns. Since California does not tax lottery winnings, only federal taxes apply, but you may still owe additional taxes beyond the 24% withholding. Get precise estimates of your total after-tax winnings including both withholding and additional tax liabilities.
Our enhanced calculator with Simple/Advanced modes simplifies tax estimation for both lump sum and annuity payments in four easy steps:
Choose California to calculate applicable federal taxes only.
Select Simple mode for quick liability estimates or Advanced mode for precise progressive bracket calculations based on your filing status.
Select lump sum for immediate payment or annuity for graduated payments over 30 years. Each option has different tax implications.
Input your total winnings and click 'Calculate Your Lottery Taxes'to see both immediate withholding and final after-tax amounts.
In California, you'll pay 24% federal withholding tax on lottery winnings over $5,000, but no state taxes. California does not impose state taxes on lottery winnings, but federal taxes will still apply. For a $1 million jackpot, you'd pay approximately $240,000 in federal taxes. Use our calculator above for precise estimates based on your filing status and other income.
Lump sum payments are taxed entirely in the year received, potentially pushing you into the highest tax bracket (37% federal). Annuity payments are taxed annually over 30 years, which may result in lower overall taxes since each payment may fall into lower tax brackets. Since California has no lottery tax, only federal rates apply to both options. Consider your filing status and other income when choosing.
Yes, you pay 24% federal withholding tax on winnings over $5,000, but California does not impose state taxes on lottery winnings. You may owe additional federal taxes at filing time depending on your total income and filing status. Our calculator shows the complete federal tax breakdown.
In California, you typically keep about 76% of your lottery winnings after federal taxes (assuming 24% withholding). For a $10 million jackpot, you'd keep approximately $7.6 million. The actual amount may vary based on your total income, filing status, and tax situation. Use our calculator for personalized estimates.
The choice depends on your financial goals and tax situation. Lump sum gives you immediate access to money but may result in higher taxes due to being pushed into top tax brackets. Annuity payments spread the tax burden over 30 years, potentially reducing overall taxes. Since California has no lottery tax, focus on federal tax planning and investment strategies. Our calculator shows tax differences between options. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice.
Your filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, etc.) affects your federal tax brackets and overall tax liability. Single filers have lower bracket thresholds, while married filing jointly has higher thresholds. Choose the status that matches your actual tax filing situation. Our calculator automatically adjusts federal tax calculations based on your selection.
No, California has no state or local taxes on lottery winnings. You only pay federal taxes.
The content provided by Lottery Valley is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as tax, legal, or accounting advice. We recommend consulting a qualified tax professional, attorney, or accountant for personalized guidance regarding your federal and state tax obligations. If you come across any inaccuracies or have corrections to share, please contact us at hello@lotteryvalley.com