Bonus Tax Withholding Calculator

Estimate how much will be withheld from a bonus check and what you’ll take home.

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Amounts in dollars.
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Take-home bonus
Federal income tax
Social Security (6.2%)
Medicare
State
Total withheld
Work

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How Bonuses Are Taxed

Bonuses are "supplemental wages." When paid separately from regular pay, employers can withhold federal income tax at a flat 22%, and must use 37% on supplemental wages over $1 million in a year (IRS Publication 15, section 7). Social Security (6.2% up to the yearly wage base, $184,500 for 2026) and Medicare (1.45%, plus 0.9% on wages over $200,000) apply as usual.

Federal = 22% × bonus (37% on the part over $1M)   FICA = 6.2% + 1.45%

Worked Example

Tips

Withholding isn’t your final tax: a bonus is taxed as ordinary income on your return, so you may get some back or owe more. Some employers use the aggregate method instead, which can withhold more. State rules vary.