See what you actually keep from a bonus after federal, state, and FICA.
About the Bonus Tax calculator
A cash bonus is supplemental wages, taxed exactly like the rest of your income: it stacks on top of your salary and is subject to federal, state, Social Security, and Medicare tax. The catch is withholding — employers withhold federal tax on a bonus at a flat 22% (37% on the portion above $1M), which is often well below a high earner's true marginal rate. That's why a bonus can feel like it was 'taxed at 40%', and why you may owe more at filing. This calculator estimates your real tax on a bonus, your take-home, and the withholding gap.
Frequently asked questions
Why was my bonus taxed so much?
Your employer withholds federal tax on a bonus at a flat 22% supplemental rate (37% above $1M), separate from your regular paycheck withholding. Combined with state tax and FICA, the upfront bite can look like 35–45% — but that's withholding, not your final tax.
Is a bonus taxed at a higher rate than salary?
No. A bonus is ultimately taxed at the same marginal rates as the rest of your income. Only the upfront withholding differs — it's a flat 22% supplemental rate, which can be higher or lower than your true rate.
Will I get some of my bonus tax back?
If the flat 22% withheld is more than your actual marginal rate on the bonus, the excess comes back as part of your refund. If your rate is higher than 22% — common for high earners — you'll owe the difference at filing.
Does my state tax my bonus?
Most states tax a bonus as ordinary income at your state rate. States with no income tax — like Texas, Florida, and Washington — tax only at the federal level plus FICA.