Winning the lottery might seem like a dream come true, but according to this infographic by Mint.com, lottery winners don't always come out on top.
Between 4.08% and 6.27% of lottery winners file for bankruptcy according to this infographic. In the United States, lottery jackpot figures are before tax, which means 30% of your winnings go straight back to the government. In Canada, the winning figures are already taxed so what you win is what you get. This means that in the US, if you win 68 million dollars, you're taxed 25% federally (17 million dollars) and 4.84% on a state level ($2,468,400). That leaves you with just over 48 million dollars from a 68 million dollar pot.
These are important figures to remember before lottery winners spend the entire pot in their heads. Otherwise, you could be in tax trouble.
Lost Lottery Winnings Infographics
This Chart Explores Fiscal Trends Among Lottery Winners
Trend Themes
1. Lottery Winners Bankruptcy - The high rate of lottery winners filing for bankruptcy creates an opportunity for financial literacy programs and services to empower winners with money management skills.
2. Tax Implications on Lottery Winnings - The tax burden on lottery winnings presents an opportunity for tax planning and financial advisory services to help winners maximize their after-tax earnings.
3. Transparency in Lottery Winnings - The need for clearer information on tax obligations and post-tax winnings in lottery systems creates an opportunity for platforms and tools that provide accurate and accessible financial insights to lottery winners.
Industry Implications
1. Financial Education - The high bankruptcy rate among lottery winners highlights the need for enhanced financial literacy programs and resources to educate individuals on managing their sudden wealth.
2. Tax Planning and Advisory - The complex tax implications of lottery winnings call for specialized tax planning and advisory services to help winners optimize their financial situation and minimize tax liabilities.
3. Financial Technology - The lack of clarity and accessible information on tax obligations in lottery winnings creates an opportunity for fintech platforms and apps to provide transparent and user-friendly financial insights to lottery winners.