Will Latest Group Lottery Winner Be Affected by Taxes?

shutterstock_265830683

 

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

Posted in
Are Risk Takers Good Leaders?

Are Risk Takers Good Leaders?

ARE RISK TAKERS GOOD LEADERS? Are risk takers good leaders? Risk plays a factor in our daily choices, and perhaps more so in the professional aspect of our lives. Some decisions we make are chancier than others, and there are countless examples of leaders in the business world who have taken great risks in order to become highly…

Six Habits of Professional Leaders

Six Habits of Professional Leaders

This article will discuss six habits of Professional Leaders.  Leadership in the workplace comes in many different styles and forms. Not all people in positions of leadership have the necessary skills to excel at their position. To be successful in business leadership, developing and honing numerous talents, abilities, and attributes is necessary. Some professional leaders are…

Dan Forootan, "How Small Businesses Are Being Empowered with Big Data"

How Small Businesses Are Being Empowered with Big Data | Dan Forootan

“How Small Businesses are Being Empowered with Big Data”, Dan Forootan Transcript, Interview by Alan Olsen, Host of The American Dreams Show: Dan Forootan: I started my first company at 16 years old when I was in high school. I loved technology and Bill Gates was my idol. I started playing with stocks in eighth grade.…

The True Value of Communication

The True Value of Communication

The True Value of Communication Communication is extremely valuable in all relationships and in almost every setting. If you want to have a successful relationship with your spouse you must be able to communicate effectively with each other. If you want to have a positive relationship with your children, then you have to learn to communicate with them.  Communication in…