Will Latest Group Lottery Winner Be Affected by Taxes?
There is nothing quite like winning the lottery. In almost all cases lotto winners go from rags to riches overnight. There is definitely a thrill and exhilaration that comes with becoming an instant multi-millionaire. Who wouldn’t want to win the lottery? Hold that thought. Winning the lottery comes with several possible catches that could lead to tax trouble. In fact, for some lottery winners, the tax fallout is a real nightmare.
The tax headache can be especially big when several people decide to purchase lottery tickets together, as a group, which is exactly what happened to some recent lottery winners in Tennessee. Twenty co-workers won a $420.9 million Powerball jackpot in November, with the lump sum payment being $254 million. Split evenly, each winner will receive $12.7 million before taxes.
However, the first question that must be answered is could this group be considered a real partnership? The 20 winners have been pooling their money together for eight years, so it’s a legitimate question. It’s also an important one as it could make a big difference in how they report it and their overall tax bill.
Another question is could their agreement be viewed as a trust? If the IRS considers it a grantor trust it’s simply taxed as a flow-through. However, if it is a more complex trust that is taxed the same as a corporation the tax headache can be huge and expensive. So, what should you do if you become an instant millionaire? If you ever end up choosing the right numbers, the smartest thing to do is talk with a qualified tax professional before you even collect the money. This will help you avoid several possible headaches.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertwood/2016/12/01/20-plant-workers-420-million-powerball-win-cleverly-misses-tax-mess/#3a6f0e555f29
The Three Steps to Developing an Effective Personal Development Plan
The Three Steps to Developing an Effective Personal Development Plan Author: Ron Subs Posted: 7/13/10 Effective personal development is the key to finding true self-reliance and control. From communicating with others at work, dealing with situations at home, and even mastering money, personal development is the greatest way to achieve satisfaction in your life. Regardless…
Your Voice Counts – How to Ace That Phone Interview
Your Voice Counts – How to Ace That Phone Interview By Freddy Ngiam Many people overlook the importance of a phone interview. You may assume that a phone interview is very impersonal. To a certain extent it is but an efficient phone candidate would try to fashion his voice and his tone and manner of…
Make Your Mark with Your Own Career Brand
Make Your Mark with Your Own Career Brand Author: Integrity Career Transitions When the going gets tough, the tough get…creative. With over 11 million people in the country now out of work and the unemployment rate up to over 9%, competition in the job market is getting hotter than ever. Gone are the days when…
Employee Recognition Programs
Employee Recognition Programs Managing the delicate balance in delicate times Everything about employment is tough these days. Choosing the right person. The unpredictability of economic and competitive conditions and how they might prompt reductions in staff. Not the least of employment problems is holding on to really productive employees who, frankly, are just as employable…