$559.7 Million Powerball Jackpot
January 6, 2018 — New Hampshire
The winning ticket was sold at Reeds Ferry Market in Merrimack, New Hampshire. The winner, identified in court documents only as "Jane Doe," sued the New Hampshire Lottery Commission for the right to remain anonymous. A judge ruled in her favor, and she claimed the prize through a trust called Good Karma Family 2018. This case set a legal precedent and sparked a national conversation about lottery winner anonymity rights.
What Happened Next
Payout choice: The winner chose the lump sum cash option of $352 Million, which after federal taxes (37% top bracket) and applicable state taxes results in a significantly reduced — but still life-changing — take-home amount.
Privacy: The winner chose to remain anonymous, claiming through a trust or LLC. Financial advisors generally recommend this approach to protect winners from solicitation, scams, and personal safety risks.
Source: https://www.nhlottery.com/
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