LotteryLab

South Carolina Lottery Tax Calculator

See what you'd actually keep from a South Carolina lottery prize after federal and state taxes — South Carolina withholds up to 6.4%, plus federal tax.

South Carolina lottery take-home by jackpot size

Estimated net take-home after federal + 6.4% South Carolina state tax.

Advertised jackpot Lump-sum take-home Annuity total (30 yrs) Effective tax
$1,000,000 $607,812 $822,960 39%
$10,000,000 $5,701,812 $6,748,757 43%
$100,000,000 $56,641,812 $57,854,367 43%
$500,000,000 $283,041,812 $284,254,368 43%

Estimates use single-filer federal brackets and South Carolina's top lottery-withholding rate. Actual tax depends on your total income, filing status, deductions and residency. Not tax advice.

How South Carolina lottery winnings are taxed

Lottery prizes are taxable income. Every winner pays federal tax — the IRS withholds 24% up front, and the true rate climbs to 37% on large prizes. On top of that, South Carolina taxes lottery winnings at up to 6.4%. Taking the prize as a lump sum is taxed all in one year (pushing more into the top bracket); a 30-year annuity spreads the income out.

See the latest South Carolina lottery results and games →

South Carolina lottery tax FAQ

Does South Carolina tax lottery winnings?

Yes. South Carolina taxes lottery winnings at up to 6.4%, on top of federal tax (progressive, up to 37%).

How much tax do you pay on a $1 million South Carolina lottery prize?

On a $1,000,000 South Carolina prize taken as a lump sum, you'd owe roughly $392,188 in combined federal and state tax (about 39%), leaving about $607,812 take-home.

Is it better to take a lump sum or annuity in South Carolina?

A lump sum gives you the discounted cash value now; a 30-year annuity pays the full advertised jackpot in equal yearly installments. Either way South Carolina's 6.4% state rate and federal tax apply; the annuity can keep more of each year's payment in lower brackets. Use the calculator above to compare.