SlickCalc

Bonus Tax Calculator

Estimate how much of your bonus you may keep. Compare 22% supplemental-wage withholding with estimated annual federal tax impact.

Bonus Details
$
$

Used for FICA limits and the annual federal tax estimate.

$

Include bonuses and other supplemental wages this employer already paid you this calendar year. Amounts above a cumulative $1 million use 37% federal withholding.

%
Federal Tax Method
Filing Status

The flat 22% rate applies to federal tax only. Medicare Additional Tax threshold differs by filing status ($200K single/HOH, $250K married, $125K MFS).

Take-Home Bonus

$7,035.00

Effective Tax Rate: 29.6%

Tax Breakdown
Federal Tax(22.0%)
-$2,200.00
Social Security(6.2%)
-$620.00
Medicare(1.45%)
-$145.00
Total Tax-$2,965.00
Take-Home Bonus (70.3%)Total Tax (29.6%)

Federal Tax: $2200.00 (22.0%)

FICA: $765.00

Total Tax: $2965.00

Take-Home Bonus: $10000.00 - $2965.00 = $7035.00

How Bonus Taxes Work

The IRS treats bonuses as supplemental wages. When an employer uses the percentage method for a separately identified bonus, federal income tax is generally withheld at 22%. Once that employer's cumulative supplemental wages to you exceed $1 million in the calendar year, the excess is withheld at 37%.

The annual tax impact option estimates the difference between federal income tax with and without the bonus using 2026 brackets and the standard deduction. It is not the IRS aggregate payroll withholding method, which depends on the pay period, Form W-4, and payroll withholding tables. Your final liability is settled on your tax return.

Beyond federal income tax, bonuses are also subject to FICA taxes: 6.2% for Social Security (up to the $184,500 wage base for 2026) and 1.45% for Medicare (plus an additional 0.9% above the filing-status threshold). For your full salary breakdown, use the [salary calculator](/salary-calculator). To see how investing your bonus could grow, try the [compound interest calculator](/compound-interest-calculator).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my bonus taxed at 22%?

The IRS classifies bonuses as supplemental wages. Most employers use the flat 22% withholding rate because it's simpler than recalculating your entire tax situation. This is just withholding — your actual tax rate depends on your total annual income.

Will I get some of my bonus tax back?

Possibly. If the 22% flat withholding exceeds your actual marginal rate (e.g., you're in the 12% bracket), you'll get the difference back as a tax refund when you file. Conversely, if you're in a higher bracket, you may owe additional tax.

Is the annual tax estimate the same as my employer's aggregate method?

No. This calculator estimates the bonus's annual federal tax impact. Employer aggregate withholding also depends on your pay period, Form W-4, regular paycheck, and IRS payroll tables.

Are bonuses subject to Social Security tax?

Yes, up to the Social Security wage base ($184,500 in 2026). If your base salary already exceeds this limit, no additional Social Security tax is deducted from your bonus.

How can I reduce taxes on my bonus?

Consider contributing part of your bonus to a 401(k) or HSA, which reduces taxable income. Charitable donations can also offset tax. Timing strategies (deferring to next year) may help if you expect to be in a lower bracket.

Related Tools

Paycheck Calculator
Real per-paycheck take-home with 401(k), HSA, W-4, and federal/state/local taxes.
Marginal vs Effective Tax Rate
Compare your marginal and effective federal tax rates with a per-bracket breakdown.
Overtime Calculator
Calculate overtime pay with time-and-a-half and double-time rates.
Time Card Calculator
Track daily work hours, overtime, and estimated pay with a weekly timesheet.