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Bonus Payment Tax Calculator

See how much of your bonus you'll take home under both IRS withholding methods, the 22% flat rate and the aggregate method, and how much extra tax the bonus really adds when you file for 2026, so you know whether to expect a refund or a bill.

Updated November 4, 2026. Free, no sign-up; everything runs in your browser and nothing you type is stored.

Bonus payment tax calculator

Bonus amount ($)Regular pay per paycheck ($)Pay frequencyFiling status

401(k) % taken from the bonusState supplemental rate (%)Wages paid so far this year ($)Bonuses already paid this year ($)

–Take-home, 22% flat method

–Take-home, aggregate method

–Federal withheld, flat

–Federal withheld, aggregate

–Social Security + Medicare

–State withholding

–Actual extra federal tax for the year

Gross-up: what bonus nets a set amount?

Amount you want to receive ($)

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Why bonuses look taxed more

A bonus is "supplemental wages", and employers can withhold federal tax on it in two ways (IRS Publication 15, section 7):

Percentage (flat) method: a flat 22% federal withholding when the bonus is paid separately from regular pay. Supplemental wages over $1 million in a year must be withheld at 37%.
Aggregate method: the bonus is added to a regular paycheck and withholding is figured as if you earned that much every pay period, then the withholding on the regular pay alone is subtracted. A big bonus on one check can look like a very high salary, so withholding can be higher than 22%.

Withholding isn't the final tax. When you file, the bonus is simply part of your wages for the year and is taxed at your normal brackets. If too much was withheld you get it back as a refund; if too little, you owe the difference. Social Security (6.2% up to $184,500 of 2026 wages) and Medicare (1.45%) apply to bonuses the same as to salary.

Common questions

How much tax is taken out of a bonus?

Usually 22% federal withholding plus 7.65% for Social Security and Medicare, plus any state tax. On a $5,000 bonus that's $1,100 + $382.50 federal withholding and FICA.

Are bonuses taxed at a higher rate?

No. They're often withheld at a flat 22%, but at filing they're taxed like any other wages at your normal brackets.

What is the 2026 supplemental withholding rate?

22% for supplemental wages up to $1 million in the year, and 37% on the part over $1 million.

Will I get bonus withholding back?

If your top bracket is below 22% (single taxable income under $50,400 in 2026), some of the 22% withheld is usually refunded at tax time.

How do I reduce tax on my bonus?

Ask whether you can put part of it into your 401(k), which lowers federal and most state income tax on that part.

Sources

General information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Check important numbers with the official source before acting on them.