Bonus tax calculator
Updated
Bonuses are "supplemental wages": employers withhold federal tax at a flat 22%. Your actual tax depends on your bracket, so this calculator shows both the check you'll receive and what you keep after filing.
- Federal withholding (22% flat)
- −$1,100.00
- Social Security (6.2%)
- −$310.00
- Medicare (1.45%)
- −$72.50
- Texas tax
- −$0.00
- Net bonus check
- $3,517.50
- Federal tax actually owed on the bonus
- $600.00Your top bracket: 12%
- Comes back in your refund
- $500.00
Employers usually withhold federal tax on bonuses at a flat 22% (37% above $1 million). Your real tax depends on your bracket, so the difference is settled when you file.
Bonus after taxes by state ($5,000 bonus, $60,000 salary)
| State | Withheld | Bonus check | Kept after filing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $1,483 | $3,518 | $4,018 |
| Florida | $1,483 | $3,518 | $4,018 |
| California | $1,883 | $3,117 | $3,617 |
| New York | $1,774 | $3,226 | $3,726 |
| Illinois | $1,730 | $3,270 | $3,770 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,640 | $3,361 | $3,861 |
| Ohio | $1,620 | $3,380 | $3,880 |
| Georgia | $1,732 | $3,268 | $3,768 |
| North Carolina | $1,682 | $3,318 | $3,818 |
| Washington | $1,552 | $3,448 | $3,948 |
Frequently asked questions
How much tax is taken out of a bonus?
Federal withholding is usually a flat 22% (37% on the part above $1 million), plus 6.2% Social Security, 1.45% Medicare and state tax. On a $5,000 bonus in Texas that's about $1,483 withheld.
Why is my bonus taxed so high?
It isn't taxed more than salary — it's withheld at 22% flat. If your real bracket is 12%, you get the difference back as a refund; if it's 24%+, you'll owe a little more.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.