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Bonus Tax Calculator
Estimate the tax withheld from a bonus — federal 22%, Social Security, Medicare and state — and see what you take home.
Quick answer
Bonuses paid separately from salary are usually withheld at a flat 22% federal rate (37% on any part above $1 million), plus 6.2% Social Security, 1.45% Medicare and your state’s rate. On a $5,000 bonus with no state tax you keep about $3,517. Withholding is a prepayment; your real tax is settled on your return.
29.6% of the bonus
| Federal income tax (22%) | $1,100.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | $310.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%, plus 0.9% above $200,000) | $72.50 |
| State income tax | $0.00 |
Step by step
How to use the Bonus Tax Calculator
01
Enter the bonus amount.
02
Enter the wages already paid this year and choose your state.
03
See each tax withheld and the bonus you take home.
Formula
Net bonus = Bonus − 22% federal − 6.2% Social Security − 1.45% Medicare − state rateWorked examples
Bonus after withholding (no earlier bonuses, wages under the Social Security cap)
| Bonus | No state tax | California (10.23%) |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000.00 | $703.50 | $601.20 |
| $2,500.00 | $1,758.75 | $1,503.00 |
| $5,000.00 | $3,517.50 | $3,006.00 |
| $10,000.00 | $7,035.00 | $6,012.00 |
| $25,000.00 | $17,587.50 | $15,030.00 |
| $50,000.00 | $35,175.00 | $30,060.00 |
Good to know
Why bonuses seem to be taxed more
They are not taxed at a higher rate; they are often withheld at a higher rate. If your normal tax bracket is 12%, the flat 22% withholding takes more than you will owe, and the difference comes back as part of your refund. If you are in the 32% bracket or above, 22% may be too little and you could owe more at tax time.
Aggregate method
Some employers add the bonus to a regular paycheck and withhold as if you earned that much every period. That can withhold even more from that check. Either way, the total tax for the year is the same, because it is worked out on your annual income.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the federal tax rate on bonuses in 2026?
22% flat withholding on supplemental wages up to $1 million, and a mandatory 37% on the amount above $1 million in a year.
Does Nevada tax bonuses?
No. Nevada has no state income tax, so only federal tax, Social Security and Medicare are withheld.
Is Social Security taken from a bonus?
Yes, 6.2%, until your total wages for the year reach the $184,500 wage base in 2026.
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