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Bonus after-tax calculator
The $5,000 bonus is never $5,000.
Employers withhold bonuses as supplemental wages — usually a flat 22% federal plus state and FICA. Enter your bonus to see the check you'll actually get.
Results
Bonus you actually keep
$0.00
After federal, state, and FICA withholding
Gross bonus$0.00
Federal withheld$0.00
Federal rate$0.00
State withheld$0.00
FICA withheld$0.00
Total withheld$0.00
You keep$0.00
Net bonus$0.00
Withholding is not your final tax — if 22% over-withholds relative to your bracket, the difference comes back at tax time.
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Why bonuses feel smaller than expected
Regular paychecks spread your annual income across withholding tables, but bonuses are withheld at a flat 22% federal rate regardless of your bracket. If you're in the 12% bracket, that's heavy over-withholding you'll get back at filing; if you're in the 32% bracket, you'll owe more later. Either way, the check in hand reflects withholding, not your true tax.
The 22% rule
Employers must withhold 22% federal on supplemental wages up to $1 million (37% above that). They can't use your W-4 elections for it. State withholding varies — some states use flat rates, others use your regular tables.
Planning uses for the net number
Use the after-withholding figure for spending and saving decisions, not the gross. If the bonus pushes you to max an IRA or HSA, contribute from the net check — don't budget money that's already been withheld.
Frequently asked questions
How much tax is taken out of a bonus?
Federal withholding is a flat 22% (up to $1M), plus state withholding and 7.65% FICA. A $5,000 bonus at 22% federal, 5% state nets about $3,267.
Why is my bonus taxed more than my paycheck?
It often isn't taxed more — it's withheld at a flat 22%, which can be higher or lower than your effective rate. Your actual tax is settled at filing based on total income.
Can I avoid the 22% bonus withholding?
No — employers must use the flat supplemental rate. But over-withholding comes back as a refund, and you can adjust W-4 withholding on regular pay to compensate.
Are bonuses taxed differently than salary?
No. Bonuses are ordinary income taxed at your marginal rates — only the withholding method differs.
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