The billion-dollar Mega Millions jackpot has finally been claimed in Illinois after being purchased at a Speedway gas station in Des Plaines.
But how much of that will end up in the winner’s pocket, and how much will be owed in taxes?
The tax bill depends on whether the Mega Millions winner chooses a cash payout of $780.5 million or annual payments totaling $1.3 billion over 29 years.
llinois currently withholds 24% in federal taxes, and 4.95% in state income taxes, though that may not be the total tax obligation, depending on the winner’s financial situation.
MEGA MILLIONS $1.28 BILLION JACKPOT: SHOULD YOU TAKE A LUMP SUM OR ANNUAL PAYOUTS?
If the winner decides to take the $780.5 million