One lone individual officially becomes the largest lottery winner in state history
By Kate Northrop
The Georgia Lottery has announced that the single lottery winner of the $983 million Mega Millions jackpot has come forward to claim the largest prize in Georgia state history.
Whoever won the $983 million Mega Millions lottery jackpot back in November started off the new year on the right foot. Just two days into 2026, they presented their winning ticket to Georgia Lottery officials.
They chose to take the $453.6 million cash option rather than take the annuity for the full amount. According to USA Mega's Mega Millions Jackpot Analysis, the winner will receive about $262.7 million after all taxes are paid. Georgia imposes a 5.09% state tax on lottery winnings.
By claiming the jackpot in 2026, the winner avoided around $400,000 in state taxes, since Georgia lowered its flat state tax rate from 5.19% in 2025 to 5.09% this year.
They'll likely enjoy their win in perpetual secrecy since Georgia state law allows all lottery winners of prizes over $250,000 to remain anonymous. Lottery Post maintains a list of every state's anonymity policies for lottery winners, and Lottery Post published a comprehensive video presentation about each state's anonymity laws.
However, the Georgia native did share some details with Lottery officials to pass along to the general public, mainly that they have family members who have directly benefited from the Georgia Lottery-funded HOPE Scholarship, which provides financial aid and tuition assistance for Georgia residents who attend eligible colleges and maintain high academic standards.
"We are thrilled to celebrate Georgia's record-breaking jackpot winner and their life-changing start to the new year," Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin said. "This historic jackpot was also significant for Georgia's students, families and communities who benefit from HOPE and Pre-K. We congratulate our winner and appreciate the support of our players and retail partners during this exciting jackpot run."
The winner added that they play the lottery regularly to support the HOPE Scholarship and Pre-K education, and that they decided to purchase their lucky ticket for the Nov. 14, 2025 Mega Millions drawing when they noticed a billboard advertising the $983 million jackpot.
Their interest in the draw results was piqued when they heard there was a jackpot winner in Georgia, and even more astonished when they checked the results online to find that they were the sole player in the entire nation to hold the winning ticket that matched all six numbers.
The winning numbers in the Nov. 14 Mega Millions drawing were 1, 8, 11, 12, and 57, with Mega Ball number 7.
When the Lottery asked about their plans for the historic prize, they described intentions of turning the winnings into generational wealth and using the money to give back to good causes.
"They are thankful to be in a position to give," the Lottery explained.
For selling the jackpot-winning Quick Pick ticket, the Publix grocery store on North Highway 29 in Newman received a $50,000 bonus commission from the Lottery.
Whoever the winner is and however they're currently enjoying their payout, they can also live with the knowledge that their win broke the previous record for the largest lottery prize won in the state of Georgia: a $478.2 million Powerball jackpot drawn on Oct. 23, 2024 and shared by two individuals who selected the cash option of $230.6 million.
The Mega Millions jackpot stands at $199 million for the next drawing on Friday, Jan. 9 at 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Mega Millions is currently offered for sale in 45 states, plus Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings are Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Tickets cost $5 each.
The Mega Millions winning numbers are published at USA Mega (www.usamega.com) minutes after the drawing takes place.
Congratulations 🎊 What a Blessing ✨️
Congratulations!
Something about Publix stores selling massive lottery tickets.
Now this was a SMART player. Knew to hold onto the ticket and saved $400K in state taxes AND stayed anonymous.
If it was won in 2025 he owes taxes for 2025. You cannot just wait for the year to change to claim it. You can but you still owe from when it was played.
Kate did NOT say that in her article. Re-read it. Person saved $400K.
That is incorrect.
Lottery players pay the tax rate due in the year it is claimed, not the year it was won. That's because it is the actual acceptance of the money (as income) that triggers the tax, not the date of the drawing (which itself has no fiscal impact).
It is the same thing as if you did a job in 2025 but did not get paid until 2026. You would owe the tax in (and pay the tax rate of) 2026 — the year you actually got paid — not the year you did the work.
That is why they say consult a CPA after you have won 😁
What Todd has explained is very correct.
Therefore if you win big around October to December, it is wise to wait and claim the next year.
Primarily because you can invest the difference between the 24% withheld and the 37% top tax that you will pay in the year after your claim.
So many smart moves to make if one has the knowledge.
Congratulations. Taxes need reducing that's a lot taken out
Huge congratulations to the winner!
That is a great way to start the new year, congrats winners.
This is why this site is so helpful!! GREAT idea!
And if you could find an investment (of what you saved initially ) that DOUBLES in a year you would only pay the lower rate!!
That idea would partially work in theory... But, what about the tax on the profits...? The tax man is hard to beat.
And, here is something else to think about... Whenever anyone has approached me with "Invest your money with me and I will double your money in a year!" I *always* run away like an Olympic track star.
Use Google or your favorite search engine and search for "investment scams"! It is amazing what turns up.
The best way I have found to double my money is to fold it and put it back in my pocket!
Best wishes.
"That idea would partially work in theory... But, what about the tax on the profits...? "
You'd pay the tax on both the initial income and the investment income at the 2026 tax rate rate, assuming the investment income also becomes taxable in 2026. You can't avoid paying the tax, but sometimes you can pay at a lower rate.
And while 2026 federal rates have been announced I believe it's still possible for congress to lower (or raise) tax rates. If the highest rate was reduced to 36% then the 1% reduction is a savings of $4.5 million in federal taxes. That assumes that the money is all taxable, but deductions for gifts to charitable causes could reduce the tax bill (and your net proceeds) substantially. Still, if waiting for the new year results in paying at a lower rate you're ahead of the game regardless of how much you give away before paying the taxes. You also have far more rime before the rest of the taxes are due, so you can invest the money that will be owed for taxes but wasn't withheld.
Actually you can avoid paying taxes on the investment income, there are a couple of tax free investments you can use. It all depends on your risk level, and the level of return you want on the money ect. As you said time gives you more options.