Bonus Tax Calculator 2026
See how much of your bonus lands in your bank account, how much tax is withheld, and how much of that you may get back when you file.
| Bonus | $5,000.00 |
| Federal withholding (22%) | -$1,100.00 |
| Social Security + Medicare | -$382.50 |
| State and local tax | $0.00 |
| Bonus on payday | $3,517.50 |
How bonus tax works
- Federal withholding. Most employers use the IRS flat supplemental rate: 22% of the bonus, or 37% on bonus pay above $1 million in a year.
- Social Security and Medicare. 6.2% Social Security until your total pay for the year reaches $184,500, plus 1.45% Medicare (2.35% above $200,000).
- State tax. This calculator applies your state's 2026 income tax and payroll deductions to the bonus on top of your salary. Some states withhold bonuses at their own flat supplemental rate, so your stub may differ a little.
- At tax time. Your bonus is simply added to your income for the year. If 22% was more than your real bracket, the extra comes back as a refund; if your bracket is higher, you may owe a little.
Common questions
How are bonuses taxed?
Bonuses are taxed as ordinary income, but employers usually withhold federal tax at a flat 22% (37% on bonus pay above $1 million in a year) instead of using your W-4. Social Security (6.2% up to the $184,500 wage base), Medicare (1.45%) and state tax are taken out too.
Why was so much tax taken out of my bonus?
Withholding on a bonus is an estimate. The 22% federal flat rate plus 7.65% for Social Security and Medicare plus state tax often adds up to 30% to 40% of the bonus. If your real tax bracket is lower than 22%, you get the difference back when you file your tax return.
Will I get bonus tax back when I file?
Possibly. Your bonus is added to your yearly income and taxed at your real bracket. For example, a single filer earning $65,000 with a $5,000 bonus has $1,100 of federal tax withheld but only owes about $950, so about $150 comes back at tax time.
Is a bonus taxed more than regular pay?
No. A bonus is taxed at the same rates as your salary on your annual return. Only the withholding method is different, which is why a bonus can look heavily taxed on your pay stub.
How much of a $20,000 bonus will I keep?
It depends on your state and income. For a single filer earning $120,000 in California, a $20,000 bonus leaves about $11,950 on the bonus pay stub and about $11,586 once your tax return settles the real federal tax.