Bonus Tax Calculator
See how much of your bonus you keep after the 22% flat federal withholding, Social Security, Medicare and state tax. Example: a $5,000 bonus on a $75,000 salary leaves about $3,517 before state tax.
Show steps
How to use the Bonus Tax Calculator
- Enter the gross bonus you expect to receive.
- Add your annual salary and filing status so the calculator can find your bracket.
- Enter your state income tax rate, or 0 if your state has none.
- Press Calculate to see the net bonus and whether you will get money back at tax time.
Formula and method
Employers usually withhold federal income tax on a bonus at the flat 22% supplemental rate (37% on supplemental wages above $1 million in a year), plus 6.2% Social Security (up to the $184,500 wage base) and 1.45% Medicare. The flat rate is only withholding. Your real tax is set by your bracket when you file, so you may get some back or owe more.
Worked example: $5,000 bonus, $75,000 salary, single
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bonus | $5,000.00 |
| Federal withholding (22%) | $1,100.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | $310.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | $72.50 |
| Net bonus (no state tax) | $3,517.50 |
Net bonus at common amounts (no state tax)
| Gross bonus | Federal 22% | FICA 7.65% | You keep |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $220 | $76.50 | $703.50 |
| $5,000 | $1,100 | $382.50 | $3,517.50 |
| $10,000 | $2,200 | $765 | $7,035 |
| $25,000 | $5,500 | $1,912.50 | $17,587.50 |
| $50,000 | $11,000 | $3,825 | $35,175 |
Flat rate vs aggregate method
With the percentage (flat) method, the employer withholds 22% on the bonus. With the aggregate method, the bonus is added to a regular paycheck and withheld as if the total were one normal paycheck, which can withhold more or less. Either way, the difference is settled on your tax return.
Frequently asked questions
How much tax is taken out of a bonus?
Typically 22% federal withholding, 6.2% Social Security, 1.45% Medicare and any state tax. A $5,000 bonus leaves about $3,517 before state tax.
Are bonuses taxed more than regular pay?
Not in the end. Withholding on bonuses can be higher than on regular pay, but the tax you owe is based on your total income when you file.
Why was my bonus taxed at 22%?
22% is the IRS flat supplemental rate employers may use for bonuses up to $1 million a year.
Will I get the withheld tax back?
If your bracket is below 22% you get the difference back as a refund or lower balance. In the 24% bracket or higher, you may owe a little more.
What if my bonus is over $1 million?
Federal withholding on supplemental pay above $1 million in a year is mandatory at 37%.
Do bonuses have Social Security tax?
Yes, until your total wages reach the $184,500 wage base for 2026. Medicare applies to all of it.
Can I reduce tax on a bonus?
Putting part of it into a pre-tax 401(k) or HSA can lower taxable income, subject to plan and annual limits.
Sources
- IRS Publication 15: Supplemental wages
- IRS Topic 751: Social Security and Medicare withholding rates
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