The Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot prize may be paid in the annuity payment format or the single payment cash option. The Federal Form 5754 allows the Lottery to send a separate W-2G tax form to each individual winner noting the amount won and withheld on their behalf. The person receiving the check for the group also provides picture identification and is responsible for distributing the winnings to the group members.įor a prize paid in a single payment, the check recipient may choose to complete a Federal Form 5754 that ensures the tax obligation of the prize is distributed among the group members according to the gross prize amount of each person’s share. Each member of the group provides a completed IRS Form W-9 for tax reporting purposes at the time of the claim.
The prize check is issued to either one person or legal entity (partnership, trust, etc.). The prize on a winning lottery ticket may be split among a group of ticket owners however only one prize check is issued.
