Bonus Tax Calculator
A bonus check that's smaller than expected is one of the most common payday surprises — not because of an error, but because bonuses are withheld differently than regular pay. This calculator shows roughly what to expect before the check arrives.
Enter your bonus amount to see the after-tax total.
How to use this calculator
- Enter your gross bonus amount.
- Enter your estimated state tax rate (or 0 for no-tax states).
- Click "Calculate net bonus" to see your take-home amount.
Why it matters
Bonuses are usually withheld differently than regular pay. The IRS lets employers use a flat 22% federal withholding rate on supplemental wages up to $1 million, which is often higher than your normal paycheck withholding — so your bonus check can look smaller than expected even though your salary tax bracket may be lower.
A worked example
Say you receive a $3,000 bonus, in a state with an estimated 4% tax rate. Federal withholding at 22% takes $660, FICA takes roughly $229.50, and state tax takes $120 — leaving an estimated net bonus of about $1,990.50. That's roughly a third of the bonus gone before it ever reaches your account, which is exactly why the number on the announcement rarely matches what actually shows up.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my bonus taxed so much?
Employers commonly withhold a flat 22% federal rate on bonuses, regardless of your actual tax bracket. If your bracket is lower, you may get some of it back as a refund when you file.
Is 22% my real tax rate?
Not necessarily — it is a withholding rate, not your final tax liability. Your actual tax owed on the bonus depends on your total annual income and bracket.
What if my bonus is over $1 million?
Amounts above $1 million in supplemental wages in a year are withheld at 37%. This calculator assumes a typical bonus under that threshold.
What's the difference between the flat method and the aggregate method?
The flat method (used by this calculator) applies a straight 22% federal rate. Some employers instead use the aggregate method, combining your bonus with your regular paycheck and withholding based on the total — which can push that pay period into a higher apparent bracket, though your annual tax liability works out the same either way once you file.
Is there anything I can do to reduce the tax hit?
A few common options: increasing pre-tax 401(k) contributions in the pay period you receive the bonus, or asking your employer about deferring the bonus to a year where your income might be lower. Both are worth discussing with a tax professional before deciding.
Bonus After-Tax Chart for 2026
This chart shows the take-home amount for common bonus sizes at four state tax rates. It uses the same method as the calculator above: 22% flat federal withholding plus 7.65% for Social Security and Medicare, then your state rate. Use the 0% column if you live in a state with no wage income tax, such as Texas, Florida, Washington, Nevada, Tennessee, South Dakota, Wyoming, Alaska or New Hampshire.
| Gross bonus | No state tax | 3% state tax | 5% state tax | 7% state tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $703.50 | $673.50 | $653.50 | $633.50 |
| $2,500 | $1,758.75 | $1,683.75 | $1,633.75 | $1,583.75 |
| $5,000 | $3,517.50 | $3,367.50 | $3,267.50 | $3,167.50 |
| $10,000 | $7,035.00 | $6,735.00 | $6,535.00 | $6,335.00 |
| $15,000 | $10,552.50 | $10,102.50 | $9,802.50 | $9,502.50 |
| $20,000 | $14,070.00 | $13,470.00 | $13,070.00 | $12,670.00 |
| $25,000 | $17,587.50 | $16,837.50 | $16,337.50 | $15,837.50 |
| $50,000 | $35,175.00 | $33,675.00 | $32,675.00 | $31,675.00 |
| $60,000 | $42,210.00 | $40,410.00 | $39,210.00 | $38,010.00 |
The chart assumes your wages for the year are still below the 2026 Social Security wage base of $184,500 and that no local tax applies. If your state or city rate is different, enter it in the calculator for an exact estimate.
Common Bonus Amounts, Worked Out
- $5,000 bonus, 3% state tax: about $3,367.50 after tax.
- $10,000 bonus, 5% state tax: about $6,535.00 after tax.
- $15,000 bonus, no state tax: about $10,552.50 after tax.
Want to know why the withholding looks so large, or whether you will get some of it back? Our guide How Bonuses Are Taxed in 2026 explains the percentage and aggregate methods, and the 22% versus 37% rates.
More Questions About Bonus Tax
How much is a $10,000 bonus after tax?
With no state income tax, about $7,035: $2,200 federal withholding, $620 Social Security and $145 Medicare. A 5% state rate lowers it to about $6,535.
Do I pay Social Security and Medicare on a bonus?
Yes. Bonuses are subject to FICA like regular wages: 6.2% Social Security up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500 and 1.45% Medicare with no cap.
Is a bonus really taxed at 40%?
No. For a typical separate-check bonus, federal withholding is 22% and FICA adds 7.65%, about 29.65% before state tax. Your final tax is settled when you file, based on your total income.
How accurate is this calculator?
It estimates withholding using the flat 22% federal rate, FICA and the state rate you enter. It does not include local taxes, pre-tax deductions or the aggregate method, so your actual paycheck can differ. Use the paycheck calculator to see a full per-paycheck breakdown.
Last reviewed: October 9, 2026. Sources: IRS Publication 15 and the Social Security Administration 2026 fact sheet.