SC could miss out on 61 million dollars in state income tax if Mega Millions ticket goes unclaimed

[gtxvideo vid=’GDcpHFqf’ thumb=’http://player.gtxcel.com/thumbs/GDcpHFqf.jpg’ vtitle=’no lotto winner vo’]

COLUMBIA S.C. (WOLO)- It’s been almost four months since the announcement of a winner for the $1.5537 billion jackpot and no one has come forward.

The deadline to redeem a winning Mega Millions prize is getting closer, and that could mean a rippling effect for all benefiting parties.

According to the rules for Mega Millions outlined by South Carolina’s Education Lottery, unclaimed prizes must be redeemed with in 180 days of purchase.

The State Board of Economic Advisers say the income tax paid from the winnings could go towards the state’s budget  and could ultimately help to fund several state needs.

The winning ticket was purchased at a convenience store in Simpsonville, South Carolina in October of 2018, and if the prize is claimed the winning store  would get one percent of the value for any prize over $10,000.

The winner has until April 21st to claim the prize.

If it goes unclaimed, economic officials say the state would miss out on the 61 million dollars in state income taxes.

That much money could pay for new voting machines or a police officer in every public school.

The next Mega Millions drawing is Friday, February 15th at 11 p.m.