Bonus Tax Calculator (US)
Find out what actually lands in your account when your bonus is paid.
United StatesQuick answer
In the US, a bonus paid separately from salary usually has 22% federal income tax withheld (37% on any part above $1 million in the year), plus 7.65% for Social Security and Medicare. On a $10,000 bonus with no state tax you take home about $7,035. Withholding is not your final tax — you settle up when you file.
Sets how much Social Security still applies.
0 in states with no income tax.
Bonus you take home
$7,035
- Federal withholding (22%)
- $2,200
- Social Security (6.2%)
- $620
- Medicare (1.45%+)
- $145
- State withholding
- $0
- Total withheld
- $2,965 (29.7%)
Percentage method for a bonus paid separately. Withholding is not your final tax — you may owe more or get a refund.
Take-home on a bonus, no state tax, wages under the Social Security cap
| Bonus | Federal (22%) | FICA (7.65%) | You keep |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $220 | $77 | $704 |
| $2,500 | $550 | $191 | $1,759 |
| $5,000 | $1,100 | $383 | $3,518 |
| $10,000 | $2,200 | $765 | $7,035 |
| $20,000 | $4,400 | $1,530 | $14,070 |
| $50,000 | $11,000 | $3,825 | $35,175 |
How it works
Bonuses, commissions and other one-off payments are 'supplemental wages'. When your employer pays one separately from your regular paycheck, it can withhold federal income tax at a flat 22% — the percentage method. Any supplemental wages above $1 million in a calendar year must be withheld at 37%. Social Security (6.2%, until your wages for the year reach $184,500) and Medicare (1.45%, plus 0.9% above $200,000) apply as usual.
Bonuses feel 'taxed more' because 22% may be higher than the rate on your regular pay. But withholding is only a prepayment. Your bonus is added to your other income and taxed at your normal bracket when you file. If your top bracket is 12%, you will likely get some back as a refund; if it is 32% or more, 22% was too little and you may owe. See your bracket with the paycheck calculator.
If your employer adds the bonus to a regular paycheck instead (the aggregate method), withholding is calculated as if you earned that much every pay period, which can look even higher for that one check. Putting part of the bonus into a traditional 401(k) reduces the income tax withheld. To see what a permanent pay rise is worth by comparison, use the raise calculator.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the federal bonus tax rate for 2026?
22% federal income tax withholding on bonuses and other supplemental wages up to $1 million in the year, and 37% on any amount above $1 million. Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) apply on top. The rates are the same as in 2024 and 2025.
Why is my bonus taxed at 22%?
22% is the flat federal withholding rate the IRS lets employers use for supplemental wages up to $1 million. It is withholding, not a special tax rate — your real tax is worked out when you file.
Will I get bonus tax back?
If your normal top bracket is below 22%, often yes, as part of your refund. If it is above 22%, you may owe a little more.
Is a bonus taxed differently from salary?
No. For your final tax bill a bonus is ordinary income, the same as salary. Only the withholding method can differ.
Do I pay Social Security on a bonus?
Yes, 6.2% — unless your total wages this year have already passed the $184,500 wage base. Medicare (1.45%) has no cap.