Bonus Tax Calculator
Getting a bonus is great — right up until you see the deposit. Enter your bonus below and we'll show you the federal, FICA, and state withholding line by line, so there are no surprises on payday.
Your Bonus
Pre-tax deferrals lower the taxable portion.
Only matters above $1,000,000 in supplemental pay.
Enter your bonus and state, then hit Calculate to see the after-tax amount.
Percentage Method vs Aggregate Method
Percentage method (most common): your employer cuts the bonus as a separate check and withholds a flat 22% federal. Clean, predictable, and what this calculator models.
Aggregate method: the bonus rides along with your regular paycheck. Payroll annualizes that inflated paycheck, so the withholding rate can look brutal — 30%+ is common even for someone in the 12% bracket.
Either way, the IRS settles up when you file. Over-withholding becomes a refund; it is never money lost.
A Real Example
Maria, a warehouse supervisor in Georgia, earns a $4,000 year-end production bonus. Federal takes $880 (22%), Social Security $248, Medicare $58, and Georgia's 5.39% flat tax another $216.
She banks roughly $2,598 — about 65% of the headline number.
Because her bonus is non-discretionary (tied to production targets), it also has to be folded into her regular rate for overtime, which bumps her OT pay for the covered weeks.
Bonus Tax FAQ
Related Tax & Payroll Tools
Estimates only — actual withholding depends on your W-4, local taxes, and employer payroll settings. Not tax advice.
Calculate Overtime by State
Select your state for accurate 2026 overtime calculations