Bonus Tax Calculator
Bonuses are taxed at your marginal rate — not a flat rate. This calculator shows how much of your bonus survives income tax and payroll tax.
How this calculator works
A bonus is simply more ordinary income, so it is taxed at your marginal bracket — the rate your next dollar of income hits. The calculator finds your marginal rate using your salary minus the 2026 standard deduction, then applies it to the bonus, plus Social Security and Medicare (7.65%, up to the 2026 wage base). The result is your take-home bonus. Employers may withhold at a flat 22% for bonuses, but your actual tax depends on your marginal rate — which is why year-end true-up can surprise people.
Frequently asked questions
Is a bonus really taxed at 22%?
Many employers withhold at a flat 22% for supplemental pay, but withholding is not the same as tax. Your actual tax rate is your marginal bracket — 12%, 22%, 24%, or higher — so your refund or bill adjusts at filing.
Does the bonus push me into a higher bracket?
Only the portion of the bonus that crosses into the next bracket is taxed at the higher rate — the rest is taxed at your existing rate. There is no scenario where a bonus makes your whole income taxed higher.
Are bonuses subject to Social Security and Medicare?
Yes — bonuses are wages, so they are subject to the 7.65% payroll tax up to the 2026 Social Security wage base of $184,500, with the extra 0.9% Medicare surtax above income thresholds.
Disclaimer: Results are estimates for general information only and do not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures reflect 2026 rules and may change. Always confirm current limits and consult a qualified professional before making decisions. Official figures: IRS.gov · 2026 limits per IRS tax inflation adjustments.