On some game shows, contestants can win new cars, all-expense-paid vacation, and cash. But there is tax to be paid on those gifts which makes the gift not worth the taking. Bear in mind, in California, where most of these shows are filmed, the tax is due upfront. And there’s no getting around it. Winning contestants are handed a 1099G form from the show before they leave the studio. Also, winning big prize money or prizes can place the receiver into another tax bracket.