To claim a prize from an Indiana scratch-off game, you'll have 180 days from the game end date to do so. The amount that you win will determine the method that you can use to receive your prize.
If you have won an amount of $599 or less, you can usually claim your prize at most participating Hoosier Lottery Retailers. It should be noted that most retailers wll be able to redeem tickets up to $25, however, some are able to redeem winnings up to $599. Therefore, you will need to check with their policies for redeeming prizes. You also have the option to claim via mail for this prize category, the address can be found below.
For scratch-off prizes between $600 and $49,999, you have the option to either redeem through the mail, or you can redeem at a Hoosier Lottery Prize Payment Center, located in Indianapolis, Mishawaka, and Evansville.
For any winnings that you have of $50,000 or more, you will need to contact the Hoosier Lottery to schedule an appointment to claim your prize, at 1-800-955-6886.
To claim a scratch-off prize through the mail, make sure that before anything else, you sign the back of your winning ticket. Next, print out and complete the winner claim form, remembering that multiple tickets can be included in one form if the total is equal to $599 or less. It is advised to make a copy of this for your record. Your name must match your government issued ID, you will also need to make sure to include your full address.
If more than one person is claiming the prize, please make sure to include a completed IRS FORM 5754.
Include a copy of the front and back of your winning ticket, the completed winner claim form, and, if your prize is $600 or more, a copy of your valid government issues ID. Then mail to the Hoosier Lottery Headquarters.
The Indiana Lottery is required to withhold 24 percent for federal taxes, if the winnings minus the wager are more than $5,000. Additionally, there is a 3.15 percent for state taxes. This applies for U.S. citizens and resident aliens. You should report all lottery winnings to the IRS, and it may be that you are liable for additional or fewer taxes depending on your individual circumstances.