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Yes. In the United States, prizes won on a television quiz program generally count as federal taxable income. That includes noncash prizes such as cars or other goods, which the IRS says are included at fair market value. The rule does not, by itself, establish how The Price Is Right handles a particular prize’s paperwork or delivery.
How federal income tax applies to game-show prizes
The IRS says that a person who wins a prize on a television or radio quiz program must include it in income. Its Publication 525 for 2025 also says that prizes and awards in goods or services must be included at fair market value (FMV). The general rule is set out in Section 74 of the Internal Revenue Code, subject to exceptions provided by law.
This is a federal income-tax rule, not a calculation of what any particular contestant owes. A winner’s individual tax liability depends on their circumstances; the cited sources do not establish a universal tax rate for prizes.
Cash and noncash prizes are both relevant
| Prize type | General federal treatment |
|---|---|
| Cash | A quiz-program prize is generally included in income, according to IRS Publication 525 (2025). |
| Goods or services | Generally included in income at fair market value, according to IRS Publication 525 (2025). |
For a noncash prize, FMV is the relevant IRS standard. Do not assume that it necessarily equals an advertised value, suggested retail price, or sticker price for a specific prize; the available IRS guidance states the standard but does not establish how the show values individual items.
#1 Best Overall
What the tax rule does not establish about the show
The Price Is Right features contestants trying to win cash and prizes, as CBS’s show overview describes. That overview does not explain the show’s tax administration. The federal rule therefore does not establish what forms a contestant receives, whether tax is withheld, how a prize is delivered or valued, or which tax year applies to a particular win.
State and local tax treatment can depend on the winner’s jurisdiction. The sources cited here do not establish the rules for any specific state or locality.
Rank #2
- Lively Game Night Action: Experience the excitement of Buffalo Games Plinko as fast-paced chip drop-and-bounce action keeps family board games engaging. Ideal for your family game night, it brings the thrill of a beloved TV show home
- Suspenseful Moments in Play: Dive into push-your-luck gameplay with unpredictable outcomes at every turn. This engaging party game ensures each chip drop feels exciting, adding suspense to your family games collection
- Quick Setup Fun: Enjoy game night without the hassle, as this prize drop board sets up in moments. Easy to prepare, it’s an ideal choice for those spontaneous fun family games with kids aged 10 and older
- Perfect for Small Groups: Supports 2+ players, making it a great choice for couples or small groups. This classic board game lets you start the fun without waiting for a crowd, perfect for vintage board game enthusiasts
- Retro Game-Show Feel: Relive the nostalgia with this prize drop game, inspired by a classic TV show. The 18" Plinko board fits perfectly on your table, offering a familiar retro vibe for your tabletop games
What if a contestant refuses a prize?
IRS Publication 525 says that a person who refuses to accept a prize does not include its value in income. That is the federal tax treatment described by the IRS; it does not explain the show’s process or conditions for declining a prize.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Pricing Games (14 New Games) - Includes all of the favorites from the original and includes 14 new ones including Golden Road, Dice Game, and Safe Crackers
- Custom Avatars - Design your avatar from head to toe, including body, facial features, hair and clothes
- Unlockable Prizes - Earn achievements to unlock new customization options for your avatar (hair, clothes, accessories)
- Improved Graphics - Improved 3D models, enhanced interactivity, and upgraded set/game design to match the modern show
- Game Modes - Two single-player modes - 3 Strikes and Classic
Rank #4
- FAMILY BONDING: An entertaining family night in without electronics where The Game of Pay Day serves as the star of the show
- PRICELESS LESSONS: Start teaching your children about making money, paying bills, making investments, selling property, and understanding debt through engaging gameplay
- THE PLAY: Roll the die and make your way around the 31 day calendar gameboard, get as many deals as you can, find a buyer, maybe win the lottery, and get your Pay Day at the end of the month
- LIFE 101: By playing, kids will learn how to pay bills, how to make money, how to afford investments and entertainment, providing a starter course for real life financial situations
- SKILLS: A fun way to introduce children to money management through the engaging process of playing a game, teaching skills everyone needs but not everyone learns at an early age
Rank #3
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
- Play all of the best pricing games
- Real moments from the show
- A party game for everyone
- Unlock classic moments
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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