U.S. Olympians may not have to pay federal taxes on winnings they bring home this year from Rio.

The IRS can collect thousands of dollars as income from prize money attached to for gold, silver and bronze medals.

The U.S. Olympic Committee gives athletes $25,000 for gold medals, $15,000 for silver and $10,000 for bronze.

In July the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bill to prevent the IRS from taxing prizes and awards won in Olympic or Paralympic games.

The House of Representatives still has to weigh the legislation.

"To really do our part to help reward these athletes is something that really resonates with a lot of Americans," said Brady Wilson at Americans for Tax Reform.

With Congress in recess, the bill is not likely to become law before the torch is extinguished at the summer games.

It contains a clause to retroactively keep the IRS from taxing winnings from Rio.

About the Author

Keep Reading

A Korean Air plane takes off from Incheon International Airport in South Korea on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. The plane is chartered to bring back Korean workers detained in an immigration raid in Georgia. (Yonhap via AP)

Credit: AP

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com