- The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $409 million, with a $170.2 million cash option before taxes. Here are the key steps a jackpot winner should take after checking the ticket.
The Powerball jackpot has reached an estimated $409 million for Wednesday night's Sept. 30 drawing, with a cash value of $170.2 million, according to the latest figures from Powerball's official website. Both figures are before federal and applicable jurisdictional taxes.
The jackpot increased after no ticket matched all five white balls and the red Powerball in Monday's drawing. The Sept. 28 winning numbers were 17, 21, 29, 42 and 49, with 7 as the Powerball and a 3X Power Play multiplier. One ticket sold in Puerto Rico won $2 million by matching all five white balls with Power Play, while tickets sold in Illinois, North Carolina and New York each won $1 million.
The Wednesday drawing is scheduled for 10:59 p.m. ET. Powerball drawings take place every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
What to Do If You Win the $409 Million Powerball Jackpot
The first priority for anyone holding a ticket that appears to match the jackpot numbers is to protect the ticket and avoid rushing into a public claim. Powerball says prizes must be claimed in the jurisdiction where the winning ticket was purchased. Claim deadlines also vary by jurisdiction, with expiration periods typically ranging from 90 days to one year. Winners should check the rules of the state or jurisdiction where the ticket was sold before taking further action.
A potential jackpot winner should also review the ticket carefully and use the official results rather than relying solely on social-media posts or third-party lottery websites. Powerball also warns about scams. The lottery says it will not contact winners by email or telephone to tell them they have won unless they specifically entered an official promotion or contest. It also does not require winners to pay a fee to collect a prize.
Once the ticket has been secured and verified, a winner can contact the appropriate lottery authority about the claim process. Legal and financial professionals can also help a winner understand the consequences of the available payout choices before making an irreversible decision.
Powerball jackpot winners have two payout options: an annuity or a one-time cash payment. The annuity consists of one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments, with each payment increasing by 5%. The advertised jackpot and cash value are estimates until ticket sales are finalized and other calculations are completed.
Powerball Taxes Could Significantly Reduce the Prize
Taxes are another major consideration for a $409 million Powerball winner. The $170.2 million cash option is not the amount a winner would necessarily keep. The Internal Revenue Service treats lottery winnings as taxable income. For certain lottery winnings above $5,000, federal income tax withholding is generally 24%.
That withholding is not necessarily the winner's final federal tax bill. The IRS's 2026 tax schedules include a top federal income tax rate of 37%, depending on taxable income and filing status. A jackpot winner should therefore consult a qualified tax professional before assuming that the initial withholding represents the full amount owed.
State and local taxes can also affect the final proceeds, depending on where the ticket was purchased and the winner's circumstances. The IRS requires gambling winnings to be reported as income, including lottery prizes that are not subject to withholding.
For someone who wins Wednesday night's jackpot, the practical sequence is straightforward: secure the ticket, verify the numbers, understand the applicable claim deadline, consult qualified legal and tax professionals, and then evaluate the cash-versus-annuity options.
The jackpot remains estimated at $409 million ahead of Wednesday night's drawing, while the cash option stands at $170.2 million before taxes. The final prize amounts remain subject to ticket sales and the official drawing process.