Frequently Asked Questions
Is my bonus taxed at a special rate?
No. Bonuses are supplemental wages. Your employer withholds using a flat 22% federal rate (or 37% above $1M), but when you file your return, the bonus is treated as regular income at your marginal bracket — the same rate as your salary.
Why does the rate switch to 37%?
When your total supplemental wages for the year exceed $1,000,000, only the portion above $1M is withheld at 37%. The amount below the threshold stays at 22%. The entire bonus is not taxed at 37%.
Does Social Security apply to my bonus?
Yes, at 6.2% — but only until your total wages hit $184,500 (2026). If you've already earned more than that this year, your bonus has zero Social Security withholding.
What is the additional Medicare tax?
An extra 0.9% Medicare surcharge on wages above $200,000. Only the portion of your bonus that falls above that threshold is taxed at this rate.
Does this include state taxes?
No. This calculator is federal-only. If you're in a state with income tax, your actual deposit can be even lower than what this shows. State supplemental withholding rates vary — check your state's rules separately.
Is this my final tax bill on the bonus?
No. This shows what gets withheld from the payment. Your actual tax depends on your full return — deductions, credits, bracket, and other income. You may owe more or get a refund.
Does the site store my numbers?
No. All calculations run locally in your browser. Nothing is sent to a server.