Bonus Tax Calculator
Calculate bonus take-home pay after taxes. Under the 2026 IRS 22% rate + FICA (29.65%), a $5,000 bonus nets $3,517.50.
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Bonuses are 'supplemental wages' in IRS language, and employers usually withhold them with a simple flat federal rate of 22% (for bonuses under $1 million). Add FICA and this estimates what remains before state taxes and other deductions.
If your year-to-date wages already exceeded the $184,500 Social Security cap, your real take-home will be higher than shown here - the calculator assumes the common case.
2026 Bonus Tax & Take-Home Benchmarks
Pre-calculated take-home amounts for common bonus payouts using the statutory 22% federal supplemental withholding rate and FICA payroll taxes.
| Bonus Amount | Federal Tax (22%) | Social Security (6.2%) | Medicare (1.45%) | Total Tax (29.65%) | Est. Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000.00 | $220.00 | $62.00 | $14.50 | $296.50 | $703.50 |
| $2,500.00 | $550.00 | $155.00 | $36.25 | $741.25 | $1,758.75 |
| $5,000.00 | $1,100.00 | $310.00 | $72.50 | $1,482.50 | $3,517.50 |
| $7,500.00 | $1,650.00 | $465.00 | $108.75 | $2,223.75 | $5,276.25 |
| $10,000.00 | $2,200.00 | $620.00 | $145.00 | $2,965.00 | $7,035.00 |
| $15,000.00 | $3,300.00 | $930.00 | $217.50 | $4,447.50 | $10,552.50 |
| $20,000.00 | $4,400.00 | $1,240.00 | $290.00 | $5,930.00 | $14,070.00 |
| $50,000.00 | $11,000.00 | $3,100.00 | $725.00 | $14,825.00 | $35,175.00 |
*Uses the IRS 22% flat supplemental wage withholding method plus 7.65% FICA (6.2% Social Security + 1.45% Medicare). State withholding is not included.
How the calculation works
Take-home = bonus − (22% federal + 6.2% Social Security + 1.45% Medicare)
Worked example on a $7,500 bonus: $1,650 federal, $465 Social Security, $108.75 Medicare - total deductions $2,223.75, leaving $5,276.25. The combined deduction is 29.65 cents per dollar, before any state tax your state adds on top.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my bonus taxed so high?
The 22% flat federal withholding feels steep compared with your normal bracket, especially under the 22% line. But withholding is not the final tax - when you file your return, the bonus is taxed as ordinary income and anything over-withheld comes back as a refund.
What is the supplemental tax rate for bonuses in 2026?
Employers may withhold a flat 22% federal on supplemental wages under $1 million (IRS Publication 15-A). Bonuses above $1M use the highest marginal rate of 37% on the excess.
How much is a $2,000 bonus after taxes?
Under the flat method: 22% federal ($440), 6.2% Social Security ($124), 1.45% Medicare ($29). Total deductions are $593 (29.65%), leaving an estimated take-home of $1,407 before state taxes.
How are bonuses taxed in Texas?
Texas has no state personal income tax, so bonuses in Texas only incur federal supplemental withholding (22%) and FICA payroll taxes (6.2% Social Security + 1.45% Medicare = 7.65%). For a $5,000 bonus in Texas, modeled deductions are $1,482.50 (29.65%), leaving $3,517.50 in take-home pay.
How do holiday and Christmas bonuses get taxed?
Holiday and Christmas bonuses are treated by the IRS as supplemental wages. When paid separately from regular salary, employers typically apply the 22% flat federal supplemental withholding rate plus 7.65% FICA. If bundled into a regular biweekly paycheck, withholding may be computed using the aggregate method from your W-4 brackets.
How much is a $5,000 bonus after taxes?
Under the statutory flat method: 22% federal ($1,100), 6.2% Social Security ($310), 1.45% Medicare ($72.50). Total statutory deductions equal $1,482.50 (29.65%), leaving an estimated take-home of $3,517.50 before state taxes.
How much of a $10,000 bonus do I actually get?
With the flat method: 22% federal ($2,200), 6.2% Social Security ($620), 1.45% Medicare ($145). Total $2,965, leaving a take-home of about $7,035.
Are sales commissions and performance bonuses taxed the same way?
Yes. The IRS classifies sales commissions, performance bonuses, signing bonuses, and production incentives identically as supplemental wages subject to 22% federal withholding under the percentage method.
Can I avoid taxes on my bonus?
You cannot skip them, but you can redirect them: ask to defer the bonus into a 401(k)/HSA where allowed, or simply adjust your W-4 elsewhere since the over-withholding returns at filing time.
How Bonuses Are Taxed in 2026: Supplemental Withholding vs. Actual Tax →
Understand why bonus withholding differs from final tax. Learn IRS 22% flat supplemental withholding, the aggregate method, and how final tax is reconciled on your return.
Read full guide with worked examples →Related calculators
Page updated October 02, 2026. Built and tested by PullMesh. See our methodology and sources. Estimates are informational, not tax, payroll, or legal advice.