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Claiming Prizes FAQ
How long does a player have to claim a prize?
The claim period varies by game. Instant tickets are valid for 90 days after the announced end of the game. Pull-tab ticket prizes must be claimed at the place where the ticket was sold. Iowa’s Powerball and Hot Lotto tickets are valid for 365 days from the date of the drawing. Iowa’s $100,000 Cash Game, Pick 3 and Pick 4 (both midday and evening) tickets are valid for 90 days from the date of the drawing.
How are large lottery prizes claimed? Does the winner have to go to Des Moines?
Subject to cash availability, retailers are asked to cash prizes up to $600. For prizes more than $600 -- with the exception of jackpots -- players may mail their signed winning ticket with a
winner claim form to the lottery at: Iowa Lottery, P.O. Box 10474, Des Moines, Iowa 50306-9996. Players may also cash winning tickets at any of the lottery’s regional offices located in Cedar Rapids, Mason City, Storm Lake and Council Bluffs. Addresses for these locations are available in this book. The regional offices can pay prizes up to and including $250,000. All prizes for amounts greater than that, and all jackpot prizes, must be claimed at the Iowa Lottery’s headquarters in Des Moines.
Can players claim a prize as a group? Can each player in a group receive an individual check?
Prizes can be paid to players who play as a group. A check can be written to an entity such as a trust or a single individual. The lottery suggests that a group holding a winning ticket contact the lottery for information regarding the options available. The lottery also suggests that the back of the ticket may not be signed until the group has determined how the ticket will be submitted on the prize claim form.
When does the Iowa Lottery deduct state and federal tax from a player’s prize?
The Iowa Lottery does not withhold taxes for prizes of $600 or less. By law, prizes of more than $600 and less than $5,000 will face a 5 percent state withholding tax. If a player wins more than $5,000, a 5 percent state withholding tax and a 25 percent federal withholding tax will be taken out when the prize is claimed. It’s important to remember that this is a withholding. The winners may get some of it back, or may have to pay more, depending on their income.
Is the lottery required to withhold money an individual may owe to the state?
Yes. The lottery is required by law to withhold income offsets, or amounts that may be owed to various government agencies, from prize payments. Winners receive any balance remaining after application of the offset.
May I remain anonymous when I claim a jackpot prize?
When players win a prize of $600 or more, they must fill out a winner claim form with
their name, address and phone number before they can claim their winnings. Iowa law
makes this form public information. That means any member of the media or public can
request a copy of the form, so it is possible for a reporter to find out a winner's name,
address and phone number.
The winner claim form clearly states, “By signing this claim form, I authorize the
Iowa Lottery Authority to use my name and likeness for any publicity purposes that it
deems desirable.” Also, 'The Lottery will redact your Social Security number on
this claim form. The remaining information is used for research and publicity purposes and
will be made available to members of the public.”
We always encourage our big jackpot winners to hold press conferences at the Iowa
Lottery. That way our public relations professionals can help winners handle media
attention at Iowa Lottery headquarters and try to alleviate reporters from catching them at
home.
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