Bonus Paycheck Tax Calculator
Calculate how much you'll take home from a bonus paycheck — including annual, sign-on, retention, spot, and performance bonuses.
Your bonus take-home
Enter your bonus amount below to see your take-home.
Your details
Most common — a flat 22% federal rate is withheld on the bonus.
Bonus Amount
Enter your one-time bonus payment
Taxation Method
Choose how your bonus is taxed
Most employers use the flat supplemental rate method (22% federal withholding).
Location
Where you work
Filing Status
Your tax filing status
Enter your bonus amount to see your take-home pay estimate.
How your bonus is taxed
Bonuses are taxed differently than regular income, which is why they can seem more heavily taxed.
- Federal supplemental rate: Most employers withhold 22% federal tax (or 37% for bonuses over $1 million) using the flat supplemental rate method.
- State taxes: Varies by state—some use flat supplemental rates, others calculate based on your total annual income.
- FICA taxes: Social Security (6.2% up to the wage base) and Medicare (1.45% base, plus 0.9% for high earners) apply to bonuses.
- Over-withholding: The flat supplemental rate often withholds more than you'll actually owe. You'll receive a refund when you file your tax return.
Your actual tax on the bonus is calculated based on your total annual income and tax bracket, not the withholding rate.
How your bonus is taxed
Bonuses are taxed differently than regular income, which is why they can seem more heavily taxed.
- Federal supplemental rate: Most employers withhold 22% federal tax (or 37% for bonuses over $1 million) using the flat supplemental rate method.
- State taxes: Varies by state—some use flat supplemental rates, others calculate based on your total annual income.
- FICA taxes: Social Security (6.2% up to the wage base) and Medicare (1.45% base, plus 0.9% for high earners) apply to bonuses.
- Over-withholding: The flat supplemental rate often withholds more than you'll actually owe. You'll receive a refund when you file your tax return.
Your actual tax on the bonus is calculated based on your total annual income and tax bracket, not the withholding rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bonuses are typically taxed at a flat federal supplemental rate of 22% (or 37% for bonuses over $1 million), plus state taxes and FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare). This flat rate withholding is often higher than your effective tax rate, which is why bonuses can seem more heavily taxed than regular income.
The flat supplemental rate method applies a fixed 22% federal withholding rate to your bonus regardless of your tax bracket. The marginal method adds your bonus to your regular income and calculates taxes on the combined amount. Most employers use the flat rate method because it's simpler, but it often results in over-withholding.
Yes, if your bonus was over-withheld using the flat supplemental rate method, you'll receive a refund when you file your annual tax return. The actual tax you owe on the bonus is calculated based on your total annual income and tax bracket, not the withholding rate.
Related Tools
- Take-Home Pay Calculator — Calculate regular paycheck take-home pay
- Why Are Bonuses Taxed Higher? — Learn more about bonus taxation
Estimates are based on current tax rules and public guidance. Actual bonus withholding may vary depending on your employer's method and your individual tax situation.
For personalized advice, consult a qualified tax professional.