The chances of winning prizes via sweepstakes are slim, but not impossible. And if someone is going to win, it might as well be you! If you’re new to sweepstakes, follow these simple tips to get up to speed and enter sweepstakes daily.
Set up an email
Create a new email address specifically for entering sweepstakes. This will help you to conveniently track all your sweepstake alerts in one place. You can also easily respond to these emails on time and avoid cluttering your personal email account.
Create a spreadsheet
If you plan to enter multiple sweepstakes every day, make a note of all your entries. Either create a spreadsheet or use a notebook to track your entries and winnings. This will help you to avoid re-entering a one-time entry contest.
Enter sweepstakes daily
Make it a habit to enter sweepstakes every day or at least on a regular basis. The more you enter, the better are your chances at winning. Set aside a few hours to find and enter sweepstakes of your choice.
Read the rules
Every sweepstake has certain rules, as it’s required by law. To avoid disqualification, ensure you read the rules carefully and follow them correctly. Knowing the rules will also keep you from entering contests that are not a good fit for you.
Report your winnings on your taxes
Keep a record of all your winnings and their value. You need to report your winnings on your tax return, as the government considers prizes as extra income. Pay taxes on your winnings, no matter how small, if you don’t want to get audited by the IRS.
Be patient
Unlike instant sweepstakes, mail-in sweeps take weeks or even a few months to notify winners. Winning sweepstakes comes in spurts with many dry spells where you aren’t earning anything. Be patient and keep entering consistently. Eventually, you may start winning again. Remember, sweepstaking is all about luck and perseverance.
