Bonus Tax Calculator
Calculate how much of your bonus you'll actually take home after federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security, and Medicare taxes.
Bonus & Income Details
One-time bonus payment
Annual base salary
For tax calculations
For state income tax
Net Bonus
After Taxes
$3,052.50
Bonus Amount
$5,000.00
Total Deductions
$1,947.50
Effective Tax Rate
$38.95
Federal Income Tax
$1,100
22% flat rate
State Income Tax
$465
california rate
FICA Taxes (Social Security + Medicare)
$383
7.65%
Tax Deductions Breakdown
đź’ˇ Note: This calculator uses the 22% federal withholding rate for supplemental wages plus state income tax for your selected state. Your actual tax may vary based on your total annual income, filing status, and local taxes. Consult a tax professional for accuracy.
Your Bonus Summary
Bonus Tax Guide
Understanding Your Inputs
Bonus Amount: The total dollar amount of your bonus payment before any taxes or deductions.
Yearly Salary: Your annual base salary (not including the bonus). This is used to determine if Additional Medicare Tax applies.
Filing Status: Your tax filing status (single, married filing jointly, or head of household). This affects the Additional Medicare Tax threshold.
How Bonus Taxes Work
- Federal Income Tax: Bonuses are typically withheld at a flat 22% rate (supplemental wage withholding), regardless of your tax bracket
- Social Security Tax: 6.2% up to the annual wage cap (adjusts yearly, currently $168,600)
- Medicare Tax: 1.45% on all wages with no cap
- Additional Medicare Tax: An extra 0.9% on wages above certain thresholds ($200k for single, $250k for married filing jointly)
Important Notes
- The 22% federal withholding is a standard flat rate, but your actual tax liability may be different
- State tax is calculated based on your selected state. Some states have no income tax; others use flat rates or progressive brackets
- If your combined income (salary + bonus) exceeds certain thresholds, you may owe additional taxes or be entitled to a refund
- Local income taxes (in some cities) are NOT included in this calculation
- Some employers use alternative withholding methods—check with your HR or payroll department
- This calculator assumes the bonus is treated as supplemental wages, which is the most common method
Bonus Withholding Methods
Employers can withhold bonus taxes using three methods:
- Flat 22% Rate (Most Common): The standard method—your bonus is withheld at a flat 22% for federal income tax
- Aggregate Method: Your bonus is added to your regular pay and taxed as if it were spread over the entire year (can result in higher withholding)
- Percentage Method: A flat percentage is applied based on your filing status (similar to the 22% method)
Example Scenarios
Scenario 1: Standard Bonus
$10,000 bonus, $75,000 salary, single
- Federal tax: $2,200 (22%)
- Social Security: $620 (6.2%)
- Medicare: $145 (1.45%)
- Net bonus: ~$7,035 (70.35% of gross)
Scenario 2: Large Bonus with High Income
$25,000 bonus, $200,000 salary, married filing jointly
- Federal tax: $5,500 (22%)
- Social Security: $1,550 (6.2%, but some capped)
- Medicare: $362.50 (1.45%)
- Additional Medicare: $225 (0.9% over threshold)
- Net bonus: ~$17,362 (69.45% of gross)
Tax Planning Tips
- Check Your Withholding: The 22% federal rate may not match your actual tax liability—you might get a refund or owe more
- Adjust Your W-4: If you expect a large refund due to bonus withholding, you can adjust your W-4 for the rest of the year
- Plan for State Taxes: Don't forget state and local income taxes, which can add 3-13% depending on your location
- Consider Timing: If you're near the Social Security wage cap, timing your bonus might affect total taxes
- Talk to a Tax Pro: For large bonuses or complex situations, consult a tax professional for personalized advice
Common Questions
Why do bonuses get taxed differently than regular pay?
The IRS allows employers to use special withholding rules for "supplemental wages" like bonuses to simplify payroll processing.
Will I get a refund if 22% is higher than my actual tax?
Possibly, yes. The 22% is just withholding. Your actual tax depends on your total income and deductions. You'll settle up when you file your tax return.
Does the Social Security wage cap matter for my bonus?
Yes. If your salary plus bonus exceeds $168,600 (2024), only the portion up to that cap is subject to Social Security tax.
Are bonuses ever NOT taxed?
No. All compensation, including bonuses, is subject to federal income tax, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax. There's no way around it.
Bonus tax calculator updated: 2026