How much tax do you pay on lottery winnings in North Carolina?

North Carolina taxes lottery winnings at up to 3.99%, its top marginal income tax rate. That is on top of federal tax of up to 37%. On the current Powerball cash value of $326 million, North Carolina state tax alone would be about $13,007,400.

Is it better to take the lump sum or annuity in North Carolina?

The state rate of 3.99% applies to both, so North Carolina's tax treatment does not favour one over the other. The decision comes down to whether you want control of the capital or the structural protection of a payment stream.

How much is withheld immediately?

The lottery withholds 24% federally at claim time, plus 3.99% for North Carolina state tax. That is less than you actually owe. The top federal bracket is 37%, and the difference is due when you file.

North Carolina lottery tax calculator

Q: Can lottery winners stay anonymous in North Carolina?

No, winner names are public record. North Carolina's flat rate continues to decline on a legislated schedule. Winner names are public.

North Carolina taxes lottery winnings at up to 3.99%, on top of federal tax of up to 37%.

State rate

3.99%

19th lowest of 46 lottery states

Anonymity

No, winner names are public record

Local tax

None

North Carolina's flat rate continues to decline on a legislated schedule. Winner names are public.

Now spend it: $192.4 million from North CarolinaWhat the current Powerball leaves you here, carried straight into the planner. Buy the house, then see what the rest pays you every year.

Lump sum vs annuity in North Carolina

Powerball is currently advertising $760 million, with a cash value of $326 million. Here is what a single filer in North Carolina would keep under each payout option.

Lump sum

One payment of $326 million, today

$192,422,600

Federal tax: $120,570,000
North Carolina tax: $13,007,400
Effective rate: 40.97%

30-year annuity

$760 million paid across 29 years

$449,975,992

First payment, after tax: $6,800,207
Final payment, after tax: $27,834,769
Total advantage: +$257,553,393

The annuity pays $257,553,393 more in total, but the lump sum can be invested immediately and stays under your control. Around nine in ten winners take the cash. See how to decide between them.

Run your own numbers

Switch games, compare the annuity, change your filing status, then plan what to do with what is left.

1. Choose a jackpot

Powerball

$760 million

Cash value $326 million

Next draw Saturday, October 31

Mega Millions

$463 million

Cash value $194.9 million

Next draw Friday, October 30

2. Where did you buy the ticket?

Filing status

Payout

3. What you actually take home

Your estimated take-home

$192,422,600

40.97% of the prize goes to tax

You keep$192,422,60059.03%

Federal tax$120,570,00036.98%

North Carolina tax$13,007,4003.99%

Cash value (lump sum)	$326,000,000
Federal tax withheld24% taken automatically at claim time	−$78,240,000
Additional federal tax due at filingThe gap between 24% withholding and your real bracket	−$42,330,000
North Carolina state tax3.99% top marginal rate	−$13,007,400
Total tax	−$133,577,400
You keep	$192,422,600

The lottery withholds $78,240,000 up front, but your actual federal bill is $120,570,000. Set aside roughly $42,330,000 for April. This shortfall is the most common surprise for jackpot winners.

4. Plan what to do with it

The hard part is not the windfall, it is what is left in year ten. Sketch out your spending and see what the remainder can pay you every year, indefinitely.

What would you buy first?

Tap an idea to add it at a typical price, or dream up your own. Every amount stays editable once it is in your plan.

The fun part

The people you love

Something else

Amount (USD)

Your plan

Nothing yet. Start spending and watch what is left keep paying you.

After-tax winnings: $192,422,600
Planned spending: −$0
Left to invest: $192,422,600

Paid to you every year, for life

$7,696,904

That is $641,409 a month, or about 88 times the typical American household's income, without touching the principal.

Assumes the remaining $192,422,600 is invested and you draw 4.0% a year, the standard planning rule for money meant to last indefinitely.

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North Carolina lottery tax questions

Compare with other states

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Rates reflect each state's top marginal income tax rate as applied to lottery winnings, current as of 2026-01-01. The amount withheld at claim time frequently differs. This is an estimate for planning, not tax advice.