Bonus Tax Calculator
Estimate the tax withheld from a bonus and the take-home amount, using the federal flat rate and payroll taxes.
Bonus after withholding
$3,517.50
- Total withheld
- $1,482.50
- Federal income tax
- $1,100.00
- Social Security
- $310.00
- Medicare
- $72.50
- Share withheld
- 29.65%
Of a $5,000.00 bonus, about $1,482.50 is withheld and $3,517.50 reaches you.
Calculation breakdown
| Step | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Federal income tax | $5,000.00 × 22%, or 37% over $1 million of bonuses a year | $1,100.00 |
| Social Security tax | 6.2% on pay up to $184,500.00 | $310.00 |
| Medicare tax | 1.45% of the bonus, plus 0.9% on pay over $200,000 | $72.50 |
| State tax | Bonus × 0% | $0.00 |
How it works
Enter the bonus and the wages you have been paid so far this year. Add your state’s bonus withholding rate if it has one.
Worked example
A $5,000 bonus after $60,000 of pay, in a state with no bonus tax:
- Federal: 5,000 × 22% = $1,100
- Social Security: 5,000 × 6.2% = $310
- Medicare: 5,000 × 1.45% = $72.50
- Total withheld: $1,482.50, leaving $3,517.50
Sources
Frequently asked questions
How is a bonus taxed?
Employers usually withhold 22% federal income tax from a bonus paid separately, plus Social Security at 6.2% and Medicare at 1.45%. Some states add their own rate. A $5,000 bonus after $60,000 of pay has $1,482.50 withheld.
Is the bonus taxed at a higher rate than my salary?
Not really. The 22% is a withholding rate, not the tax you owe. Your bonus is added to your income for the year and taxed at your normal rates when you file, so you may get some back or owe a little more.
When does the 37% rate apply?
The withholding rate is 37% on the part of supplemental wages that takes an employee's total supplemental pay for the year over $1 million. Enter bonuses already paid in the advanced options.
Does Social Security tax stop?
Yes. For 2026 the Social Security wage base is $184,500. Once your pay for the year passes it, no more Social Security tax is withheld. Medicare has no limit.
What is the Additional Medicare Tax?
It is an extra 0.9% withheld on wages over $200,000 in a year. The calculator adds it to the part of your bonus that goes over that line.
These are withholding estimates for information only, not tax advice. Your actual tax is worked out on your return, and local taxes, pre-tax deductions and state rules are not included.