In Montana, by law, certain information about lottery winners is considered public. That information includes: the winner's name, the amount won and the winner's community of residence. Winners may choose to claim as an individual or they may choose to form a trust and claim their prize as a trust. If a trust claims a lottery prize, the name of the trust is considered public information.

A trust must have a federal tax identification number in order to claim a Montana Lottery prize.

For prizes greater than $600, a player's Social Security or federal tax identification number is required for tax reporting and withholding under federal Internal Revenue Code sections 6011, 6041, 6109, 3402 and the regulations enacted thereunder. Information provided may be disclosed to state and federal government agencies, including the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, the Montana Department of Labor, the Montana Department of Revenue and the federal Internal Revenue Service. Information is shared with these entities in compliance with state law and to facilitate tax reporting and withholding.

The Montana Lottery cannot use a winner's name or photo for promotional purposes without the winner's written consent.

FAQs