How this calculator works
This models withholding, not final tax liability. The federal 22% input is editable because supplemental-wage treatment varies.
When this result is useful
Bonus checks often look different from regular checks because an employer may use a supplemental-wage withholding method. This tool lets you model the gross bonus against editable federal and state withholding rates plus employee FICA, instead of presenting one rate as universal.
How to interpret the output
Withholding is a prepayment, not the final tax on the bonus. The bonus is generally included with other taxable wages when annual income tax is determined. A check can therefore withhold more or less than the eventual tax attributable to the additional income, depending on total income, filing status, credits, and the employer's method.
Worked example
A $5,000 bonus at 22% federal, 5% state, and 7.65% employee FICA has about $1,732.50 withheld.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Calling a supplemental withholding percentage the final bonus tax rate.
- Ignoring the Social Security wage base when year-to-date wages are already high.
- Using one state percentage where the state or employer uses another supplemental method.
Assumptions and limits
Inputs are treated as non-negative U.S. dollar amounts. Results are rounded to cents where useful. This tool is for planning and does not determine legal eligibility, payroll compliance, or final tax liability.
Use the rate shown by the employer or official guidance when available. For annual planning, add the bonus to the main calculator rather than treating the withholding estimate as final liability.
Official reference
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