Lottery tax outside the United States
Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Canada do not tax lottery prizes at all. Spain, Italy and Portugal take a flat share of the part above a tax-free amount before paying, and Brazil announces its prizes already net of tax: none of them adds the prize to the winner's income as the United States does.
| Country | Tax on lottery prizes | Prize before tax | Tax | Paid to the winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 20% of the part of each prize above €40,000 | €400,000 | €72,000 | €328,000 |
| Italy | 20% of the part of each prize above €500 | €1,000,000 | €199,900 | €800,100 |
| Portugal | 20% of the part of each prize above €5,000 | €20,000 | €3,000 | €17,000 |
| Brazil | 30% withheld; the announced prize is already net | R$ 142,857,143 | R$ 42,857,143 | R$ 100,000,000 |
| Germany | Not taxed: the prize is paid in full | €1,000,000 | €0 | €1,000,000 |
| United Kingdom | Not taxed: the prize is paid in full | £1,000,000 | £0 | £1,000,000 |
| France | Not taxed: the prize is paid in full | €1,000,000 | €0 | €1,000,000 |
| Canada | Not taxed: the prize is paid in full | C$1,000,000 | C$0 | C$1,000,000 |
Two ways of taxing a prize
Spain, Italy and Portugal withhold a fixed share of the part of each ticket's prize above a tax-free amount, so small prizes are paid in full and the prize does not go on the income tax return. Brazil announces its prizes after the income tax has been withheld at source, so the announced jackpot is what the winner receives.
For the United States, where the prize is added to your income and taxed at your federal and state rates, use the winnings tax calculator or compare the states.
Rules checked on 29.09.2026 against each country's tax authority or two independent sources. Estimates, not tax advice.
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