Do you pay tax on lottery winnings in the UK?

No. UK law says lottery winnings aren't chargeable gains, and they aren't income. Once you invest the money, you can pay tax on what it earns, such as savings interest. Rules are different in other countries.

What should I do first if I win the lottery?

Take your time. Keep the money somewhere safe, think about who you tell, and speak to an independent financial adviser and a solicitor before making big decisions.

How can I use a lottery win to help others?

Set aside an amount you're comfortable with, choose causes you care about, and spread your giving over time if that suits you. Registered charities can claim Gift Aid. Shine, which is a company, can't.

What to do if you win the lottery

A big win can feel overwhelming. Here are calm first steps, the UK tax position, and ideas for using some of it to help others. This is general information, not financial advice.

First steps

Pause. There's no need to decide anything big straight away.
Think about who you tell. You can usually choose whether your win is made public.
Get regulated advice. Check any adviser on the FCA Financial Services Register. MoneyHelper (free, government-backed guidance) is a free place to start.
Make or update a will with a solicitor (Law Society: find a solicitor).

Is it taxed?

In the UK, lottery winnings aren't taxed as a gain (Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, section 51), but interest or returns you earn afterwards can be. If you live outside the UK, local rules apply. In some countries, such as the US, winnings are taxed.

Using part of your win for good

Many winners give to family, friends and causes they care about. Choose an amount you're comfortable with. Decide whether tax relief matters (it only applies to registered charities), and consider giving over a few years so you can see the difference it makes.

A positive cause: young people's first steps into work

Shine helps 16–24 year olds in the UK build a CV, plan a route and find real roles. Free for young people. Sponsorship from £25 pays for that support. You can give from anywhere in the world by card.

Shine AI Ltd (company no. 16414940) is a purpose-led UK company, not a registered charity. Gifts to Shine don't qualify for Gift Aid or charity tax relief.

Sponsor a young person Talk about a larger gift

Common questions

Do you pay tax on lottery winnings in the UK?: No. UK law says lottery winnings aren't chargeable gains, and they aren't income. Once you invest the money, you can pay tax on what it earns, such as savings interest. Rules are different in other countries.
What should I do first if I win the lottery?: Take your time. Keep the money somewhere safe, think about who you tell, and speak to an independent financial adviser and a solicitor before making big decisions.
How can I use a lottery win to help others?: Set aside an amount you're comfortable with, choose causes you care about, and spread your giving over time if that suits you. Registered charities can claim Gift Aid. Shine, which is a company, can't.