Georgia lottery winner starts off new year by claiming $983 million Mega Millions jackpot

Comment #13

DELotteryPlyr — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 10:05:32 GMT

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.

Comment #12

KY Floyd — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 06:37:55 GMT

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... [ More ]

Comment #11

IAmABadOne — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 13:15:05 GMT

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

Comment #10

DELotteryPlyr — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 11:24:24 GMT

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

Comment #9

sully16 — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 23:52:08 GMT

That is a great way to start the new year, congrats winners.

Comment #8

konane — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 01:37:10 GMT

Huge congratulations to the winner

Comment #7

welington — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 21:23:26 GMT

Congratulations. Taxes need reducing that's a lot taken out

Comment #6

JustMaybe — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 21:18:29 GMT

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.

Comment #5

Todd — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 20:26:25 GMT

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.

Comment #4

Bleudog101 — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 18:36:16 GMT

Kate did NOT say that in her article. Re-read it. Person saved $400K.

Comment #3

billybucks — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:48:21 GMT

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.

Comment #2

Bleudog101 — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:42:59 GMT

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.

Comment #1

BEZ22 — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:37:52 GMT

Congratulations What a Blessing

Georgia lottery winner starts off new year by claiming $983 million Mega Millions jackpot

Lottery Post — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:47:35 GMT

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.