Bonus Tax Calculator
Why is your bonus so much smaller after taxes? See the take-home after the IRS supplemental withholding, FICA and state tax.
Paycheck and tax-withholding tools
Learn moreWithholding, not your final tax
Bonuses are “supplemental wages,” and the IRS lets employers withhold federal tax at a flat 22% (37% on amounts over $1M). Add FICA and state tax and a chunk disappears — but this is withholding, not your final bill. If too much was withheld, you get it back at tax time.
How it’s calculated & sources
Federal withholding = bonus × 22% (or 37% above $1M). FICA = 7.65%. State = your supplemental rate. Take-home = bonus − all three. Your actual tax is settled when you file.
Source: IRS supplemental wage withholding — a flat 22% (37% above $1M). It’s withholding, not your effective rate.
Results update as you type and are general estimates, not personalized financial, tax, medical or legal advice. Verify with a professional.
Worked example
A $10,000 bonus with flat 22% federal, 7.65% FICA and 5% state leaves about $6,535 — roughly 35% withheld.
Frequently asked questions
Is my bonus taxed at a higher rate?
No — it’s withheld at a flat rate. At tax time it’s taxed like ordinary income at your real bracket, and over-withholding comes back as a refund.
Why did my employer withhold even more?
If they used the aggregate method (combining the bonus with a regular paycheck), withholding can be higher. It still trues up when you file.