Bonus Tax Calculator (2026)
Bonuses are "supplemental wages": employers typically withhold federal tax at a flat 22%, plus FICA, plus a state rate where one is published. Enter your bonus and state to see what's withheld and what lands in your account.
| Federal withholding (22%/37%) | $0 |
| Social Security + Medicare | $0 |
| State withholding | $0 |
| Estimated net bonus | $0 |
| Total withholding rate | 0% |
2026 rates: federal supplemental per IRS Pub. 15; state rates per each state's 2026 withholding publication (sources in the site repository), verified June 10, 2026. Withholding is a prepayment — your final tax depends on your full return.
Frequently asked questions
How much tax is taken out of a bonus?
Most employers withhold federal tax at the IRS flat supplemental rate of 22% (37% on amounts over $1 million in a year), plus Social Security (6.2% up to the annual wage base) and Medicare (1.45%, plus 0.9% over $200,000). Many states add their own flat supplemental withholding rate on top.
Why is my bonus taxed at a higher rate than my paycheck?
It usually isn't taxed higher — it's withheld differently. The flat 22% federal withholding often exceeds the average rate withheld from regular paychecks, but at filing time your bonus is just ordinary income taxed at your normal brackets. Over-withholding comes back as a refund; if you're in a bracket above 22%, you may instead owe more.
Do all states tax bonuses the same way?
No. Some states publish a flat supplemental withholding rate for bonuses (California uses 10.23%, New York 11.7%). Others use the aggregate method, where the bonus is combined with regular wages and withheld using normal tables. Nine states have no wage income tax at all.
Will I get some of my bonus withholding back?
If the flat withholding exceeds what you actually owe at your marginal rate, yes — the difference comes back as a refund when you file. The withholding shown here is a prepayment, not your final tax.