You just won the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot worth $14 billion. This is more than you expected financial plan. Of course, you need to prepare yourself for the changes that new wealth brings. You also need to be ready to claim your prize.
When this happens, you'll definitely want to share your reward with your family. However, winning the lottery poses unique legal and financial challenges, especially when it comes to giving your family a piece of the action. In this post, we'll cover everything you need to know about giving money to your family after winning the lottery. But before we continue, there are special things to consider before sharing your winnings.
Things to Consider Before Sharing Your Lottery Winnings with the Family
If want to share your lottery winnings with the family, there are some basic things to consider.
1. Gift Tax
- When you share your lottery winnings with friends and family, you should remember that you have to pay tax on your gift. Anyone who transfers money or goods to another person without anything in return is subject to gift tax. However, it is not covered by the tax on gifts below the annual exclusion level. But anything over $17,000 per year is subject to gift tax.
- The sender (in this case, you) is responsible for paying the tax. Depending on the value of the gift, the gift tax is between 20% and 40% of the value of the gift. The recipient can also arrange to pay. Taxable receipts other than tuition, medical expenses, spousal gifts, or donations to political organizations.
- If you want to avoid the gift tax, consider giving less than $17,000. So before you share gifts, remember that you will spend more than you want to give.
2. Your family and friends may change their behavior
- They say, "Change is the only constant." When you win the lottery, you may see a change in your close circle of friends and family. While your nearest and dearest will certainly support you in whatever you decide to do with your money, you should always be prepared for how people will perceive you as a future lottery winner.
- You should also be prepared to meet new people, because more people will be trying to get close to the newest millionaire in town. Your old friends may also call you, trying to reconnect with you. Also beware that they might get jealous if you don't spend your winnings liberally with your family and friends. We all want to see our friends and family happy, but we can't let everyone share in the rewards.
- Dealing with this situation is difficult and tiring, so here are some ways to take the pressure off. On the one hand, you can claim your winnings anonymously and tell only those closest to you. You can also employ a financial advisor or lottery lawyer to give you advice on how to donate to your family if you win the lottery.
3. Your winnings can go quickly
- There is something called the "lottery curse". This is when lottery winners waste their winnings and go back to square one. Many winners fall under this curse and return to their past lives. If you don't manage it properly, you may lose your winnings. To spend and save wisely, you need the guidance of a financial advisor.
- Think smart. Your goal can be to give everyone a new house, car, and whatever else they want. But you might be surprised how quickly these expenses eat into your winnings.
4. Marital Risk
- This does not mean that your lottery winnings are putting your marriage at risk. But in the event of a divorce, your lottery winnings may be considered marital property and divided between you and your spouse. If you plan to get divorced, it's a good idea to consult with an asset protection attorney.
- Also keep in mind the relationship of the person you want to give a gift to. The family member or friend you give money to may break up with their partner for a day. If they separate, your gift to them can be split. For example, if you give your brother $500,000, it could turn into $250,000 one day.
- Gifts can be documented as debts to avoid this problem. You can legally treat your gift as a contractual debt. By making a debt settlement, you can protect funds in the event of a divorce.
5. Government Benefit Risk
- One thing to consider before giving money to a family is whether they receive any benefits from the government. Giving large sums of money can increase their income level, causing them to lose eligibility for the benefits they currently receive from the government .
- Although it depends on the specific program and the money you want to give them. Government benefit programs have income and asset limits. So there is a chance that your gift will cause their income and assets to exceed the limits. It is important to consult them before giving the benefits to the correct agency that administers the benefits.
How to Share Your Lottery Winnings with the Family
Natural lamang na nais mong ibahagi ang ilan sa iyong panalo sa iyong pamilya at mga kaibigan. Ang sumusunod na talahanayan ay naglalaman ng ilang paraan upang ibahagi ang iyong panalo sa loteriya sa pamilya at mga kaibigan.
Share lottery winnings with family members
Gift in Kind
Gift of Cash
Loan Money
Co-invest
Tuition and Medical Cost
Pay the Loan
Provision of Rent Free Housing
Create an Emergency fund for your family
Notes/Comments
Even if your dad wants to get a new Jeep or your mom wants to build a new pool at home, you have the funds to make it happen. Giving physical gifts is a great way to bring a smile to loved ones. However, keep in mind that these gifts are taxed, especially if they are large purchases.
You can also give it to them in person or transfer it to their account. This gives them the freedom to do what they want with the money, such as using it for tuition, loans, or other expenses. But remember that depending on the size of the gift, these payments are also taxable.
You can also cover their expenses. Educational expenses or medical expenses are large. By winning the lottery, you can lighten their burden so they can save their money for the things they want.
Conclusion
It's only natural that you want to take care of your family, and winning the lottery puts you in the right position to do so. You can make their dreams come true, give them a comfortable life, and help them live a meaningful life. However, you need to be careful not to spend more than you expect. This will help you manage your winnings so that you and your family can be as comfortable as possible.
Can you leave your lottery winnings to your family if you die?
Yes, you can pass your lottery winnings to your family if you die. You can make a will that sets out how you want your lottery winnings and other assets to be divided. Some lottery organizers also give you the opportunity to designate beneficiaries who will receive your annuity payments in the event that you become indebted.
Can you give money if you win the lottery?
Yes, you can give money to your friends and family if you win the lottery. However, you should understand the meaning of gift duties and cash gifts.
Where do I put my money after winning the lottery?
You can bank or invest your money after winning the lottery. You can also choose an annuity payout to get a steady income for several years. We suggest that you consult a financial advisor who specializes in wealth management to help you manage the best place to put your money.