Bonus Tax Calculator
See how much of a bonus you take home after US withholding — the 22% flat federal rate, Social Security, Medicare and state — using 2026 IRS Publication 15 rates.
Updated November 2026
2026 federal rates per IRS Publication 15: supplemental wages withheld at 22% up to $1,000,000.00 per year and 37% above; Social Security 6.2% up to the $184,500.00 wage base; Medicare 1.45% plus 0.9% on wages over $200,000.00. This is withholding from the check, not your final tax.
This is an estimate for general information only and is not financial, tax or investment advice. Figures may differ from a lender or advisor.
Financial services you may like
Some of these are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
This bonus tax calculator shows how much of a bonus you will actually receive after US withholding. Bonuses are “supplemental wages”, and when they are paid separately from your regular paycheck most employers use the IRS percentage method: a flat 22% federal withholding on the first $1,000,000 of supplemental wages in a year, and 37% on anything above that. Social Security (6.2%, up to the annual wage base) and Medicare (1.45%, plus 0.9% on wages over $200,000) are withheld on top, and your state may withhold its own flat rate.
The figures use the 2026 rates published in IRS Publication 15 (Circular E). Remember that withholding is not the same as the tax you ultimately owe: a bonus is taxed as ordinary income on your annual return, so depending on your bracket you may get some of the 22% back as a refund — or owe a little more.
How to use it
- 1Enter the bonus amount.
- 2Enter the wages you have already been paid this year, so the Social Security wage base and the Additional Medicare Tax threshold are applied correctly.
- 3If you have had other bonuses this year, enter them too (only matters above $1,000,000). Add your state's supplemental withholding rate, or leave 0.
- 4Read your take-home bonus and the breakdown of federal, Social Security, Medicare and state withholding.
Frequently asked questions
Why is 22% taken out of my bonus?+
Because the IRS lets employers withhold a flat 22% on supplemental wages (bonuses, commissions, severance) paid separately from regular pay, instead of using your W-4 tax tables. It is a withholding rate, not a special “bonus tax” — the bonus is taxed as ordinary income when you file.
Will I get some of the withholding back?+
Possibly. If your marginal income-tax rate is below 22%, too much was withheld and the difference comes back as a refund. If you are in a higher bracket, you may owe more at filing time. Social Security and Medicare withholding is not refundable in this way.
What if my bonus is paid together with my regular paycheck?+
Then the employer may use the aggregate method instead: the bonus is added to that period's regular wages and withheld as if it were all regular pay, which can take out more or less than 22% depending on your income. This calculator models the separate-payment (percentage) method.
Does the state tax bonuses too?+
Most states with an income tax withhold on bonuses, often at their own flat supplemental rate; a few (such as Texas, Florida and Washington) have no state income tax. Enter your state's rate in the state field, or 0 if it does not apply.
Related calculators
Estimate your US federal income tax, effective rate and take-home pay by filing status.
Work out your US self-employment (SECA) tax from net profit — the Social Security and Medicare split, the deductible half and your effective rate.
Estimate your take-home pay per paycheck after taxes, FICA and retirement contributions.
Convert an annual salary to an hourly, weekly or monthly rate — and back again.