I recently won 1,000 dollars on a scratch-off lottery ticket. I owe the irs will they take if I claim? Thanks

If you owe the IRS back taxes, they can seize your next refund, garnish your wages or your bank account, etc.

You must claim the $1,000 in any case.

https://finance.zacks.com/owe-back-taxes-lottery-winnings-withheld-10907.html

I made an account on this forum JUST TO REPLY TO THIS!!!

YES THEY WILL TAKE IT!!! EVERY PENNY, I won a substantial amount (substantial to me) and I didn't know they took it all, after the state and the massive amount of federal I owed, (thanks to certain family members who can "do that for free, and get 3x the refund") I ended up with a little under 500, after crying feeling defeated a few smacks in the back of the head from the wife....I'll never make the mistake again, the best way is go to a casino (people at casinos usually won't rip you off or try to withdraw all the cameras) tell them you will give them 2 - 3 % and have them cash it...IF you trust they don't owe taxes...good luck I know this post is old I found it in 2025 so hopefully others will also