Bonus Tax Calculator
Calculate tax withholding on your bonus. See net bonus after federal (22% flat or aggregate method), FICA, and state taxes.
By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated April 2026 · Source: IRS — Publication 15 (Circular E), Employer's Tax Guide
Flat Method Net Bonus
$7,035.00
Flat Effective Tax Rate
29.65%
Aggregate Method Net Bonus
$7,035.00
Aggregate Effective Rate
29.65%
Flat Method (22% Supplemental Rate)
| Federal Withholding (22%) | $2,200.00 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | $765.00 |
| State Tax | $0.00 |
| Total Tax | $2,965.00 |
| Net Bonus | $7,035.00 |
Aggregate Method (Combined with Salary)
| Federal Withholding | $2,200.00 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | $765.00 |
| State Tax | $0.00 |
| Total Tax | $2,965.00 |
| Net Bonus | $7,035.00 |
Flat vs. Aggregate Method
Most employers use the flat 22% supplemental rate for bonuses under $1M. The aggregate method combines your bonus with your regular pay to calculate withholding based on your actual tax bracket. Your actual tax liability is determined when you file your return — these are withholding estimates only.
Use the Bonus Tax Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
How It Works
When a bonus lands in your paycheck, the amount you actually keep is usually smaller than the headline figure, because employers withhold tax on it differently than on ordinary wages. This tool estimates the gap between the gross award and the cash that reaches your account.
Withholding here follows the supplemental wage rules. Bonuses below the threshold are commonly withheld at a flat 22% federal rate, while a separate aggregate method applies when the payment is bundled with your regular wages and the award climbs toward $1 million. State and local taxes are layered on afterward, according to where you live and the brackets that apply to you.
Treat the result as an approximation rather than a final bill. Your true liability depends on your total income for the year and the deductions you ultimately claim. Many people assume a bonus is taxed just like a normal paycheck, then are caught off guard when the net comes in lower than expected.
Example: $5,000 Bonus
- 1 Input a bonus amount of $5,000, assuming a federal supplemental withholding rate of 22% and an estimated blended state/local tax rate of 5%.
- 2 Federal Withholding: $5,000 * 0.22 = $1,100. State/Local Withholding: $5,000 * 0.05 = $250. Total Withholding: $1,100 + $250 = $1,350.
- 3 Your estimated net bonus after taxes would be $5,000 - $1,350 = $3,650.
- 4 Even with a seemingly large bonus, a significant portion goes towards taxes. This calculator helps you manage expectations and plan your finances accordingly.
Source: IRS — Publication 15 (Circular E), Employer's Tax Guide · Last updated: April 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are bonuses taxed at 22%?
Will I get bonus tax back when I file my return?
Are FICA taxes also withheld from bonuses?
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