Frequently Asked Questions

Congratulations! You’ve won a lottery prize of more than $599, which must be

claimed at Kansas Lottery headquarters in Topeka. We have compiled a list of the

most frequently asked questions that Lottery winners ask, which we hope you will

find helpful.

Will I receive my winnings on the same day I claim my ticket?

 Prizes of up to $5,000 can be claimed and a check usually received the same day at Kansas

Lottery headquarters in Topeka. If you have won a prize of $5,001 or more, you will not be paid

the same day. A check will be mailed to you, or you may request an electronic deposit into your

bank account.

How do I get my winnings deposited into my bank account?

 Electronic deposits are done only on prizes above $5,000. You will need to fill out an electronic

deposit form at the Lottery office. This form includes your bank routing number and account

number. You must also provide the Lottery with a voided check on the account where you want

the deposit made.

Will taxes by withheld from my winnings?

 The Kansas Lottery does not withhold federal or state tax on winnings of up to $5,000, but you

are still responsible for any tax liability.

 If you have won a prize of $5,001 or more, the Kansas Lottery is mandated to withhold 24%

federal tax and 5% state tax from your winnings. Example: On a $10,000 prize, the Lottery would

withhold a total of $3,000 ($2,400 federal tax and $500 state tax) and your check or deposit

would be $7,100. Exception: If you win a Hot Lotto jackpot, the Lottery will pay the initial

withholding taxes on your behalf.

How long will it take for my winnings to be deposited into my account or a check to be mailed

to me?

 Please allow 7-10 business days for the check to arrive in the mail. Checks of $7,000 and more

will be sent certified mail. Checks under $7,000 are sent by regular mail. An electronic deposit is

typically faster than a mailed check, but could also take as long as 7-10 business days.

What do I need from the Lottery to file my tax return?

 As a Kansas Lottery winner, an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) W2-G form will be mailed to you

by January 31 for the previous tax year. This form reports the amount of your Lottery winnings

and must be filed with your federal income tax return.

Several people play in my Lottery “pool” and we are sharing our prizes. Can we all claim this

prize?

 Only one individual can claim a lottery prize. The claimant must be an actual person (not a trust

or a foundation). The group must decide on a group representative who will file the claim form

and receive and distribute the prize to other group members. In order to accurately assess the

group members’ individual tax liability, the Kansas Lottery provides a group distribution form

which includes the names, addresses, social security numbers and signatures of all members of

the group, and also designates the percentage of the prize each member is to receive. This

information enables the Kansas Lottery to properly report winnings to the appropriate taxing

authorities. Multi-winner forms must be received by the Lottery on or before December 31 of

the year the prize is claimed.

What is the State of Kansas Setoff Program and how could that affect my winnings?

 The State of Kansas Setoff program is a debt collection program used by state agencies to collect

debts owed to the State of Kansas and other entities. If a winner is listed in the Setoff program,

all or part of the prize claim may be used to satisfy any monies owed. For more information on

the Setoff Program, you may visit this website http://www.da.ks.gov/ar/setoff/default.htm or

call the Customer Call Center at (785) 296-4628 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

Can I remain anonymous if I win a big prize?

 The Kansas Lottery is one of only a handful of lotteries that is not required to release the name

and city of residence of a winner to anyone who asks. Therefore, you may ask to have your

identity kept a secret, and the Kansas Lottery is happy to honor that request.

HELPFUL LOTTERY NUMBERS:

Questions about payment: 785-296-5734

Questions about a W2-G: 785-296-5731