What Is an Affidavit of Eligibility for Sweepstakes?
Learn what to sign, what ID to send, and how fast to return prize papers to keep your win valid.
An affidavit of eligibility for sweepstakes is a sworn written statement in which a selected entrant confirms they meet the promotion's written requirements. It serves as signed proof of age, identity, address, and rule compliance before a prize is released. The sponsor or administrator sends the form after the drawing.
You must sign it and return it with requested identity or tax papers before you can receive the prize.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 04, 2026.
What do you confirm on the form?
You confirm the core facts that make an entry valid. Those usually include age, residence and address, identity, compliance with all written rules, and that entry and claim involved no fraud or deception. Sponsors also use the same signing step for related releases.
According to the JPMorgan Chase Bank 2026 Survey Sweepstakes rules, sponsors commonly bundle the affidavit with a liability release and, where lawful, a publicity release permitting use of the winner's name or likeness in the bundled release terms.
- Age and identity match the entrant named in the drawing
- Current residence and mailing address are correct
- Entry followed entry limits, dates, and eligibility rules
- Claim involves no false information or outside help barred by the rules
When and how do you receive it?
Selection comes first, paperwork comes next. After the drawing, the sponsor or administrator contacts the selected entrant and sends the affidavit packet. You complete every signature field, attach the requested documents, and return the packet as directed.
A prize is not awarded until that signed packet is received and checked.
How fast must you return it?
Promotions impose short return deadlines. Many rules allow about five business or calendar days after notification. Missing the deadline can cause forfeiture to an alternate winner.
Treat the notice as urgent, check spam folders, and return clean copies the first time.
What about taxes and final approval?
For tax compliance, winners provide Social Security number on IRS Form W-9 so the sponsor can report prize earnings as required by law. According to the JPMorgan Chase Bank 2026 Survey Sweepstakes rules, that W-9 step is part of the prize-acceptance papers in the tax-reporting terms. The Internal Revenue Service requires payers to file Form 1099-MISC for prizes and awards, so winners should expect reporting and owe tax even when no withholding occurs, as explained in IRS guidance on Form 1099-MISC.
Signing alone does not secure the prize when verification fails. According to the Zebra Pen Celebrate Z-Month Sweepstakes rules, winning remains contingent on meeting all requirements, so prompt return with accurate documents is the practical decisive step in the winner verification terms.