A $10,000 bonus leaves about $7,035 after the 22% federal supplemental tax and FICA (Social Security + Medicare), before state tax — roughly 30% withheld. Add your state rate below.
How bonuses are taxed (2026)
Bonuses are supplemental wages. Most employers use the percentage method: a flat 22% federal withholding (37% on any portion above $1 million), plus 6.2% Social Security and 1.45% Medicare, plus your state tax. That's why a bonus often arrives about 30–40% smaller than the headline figure.
Important: the 22% is withholding, not your final tax. When you file, your bonus is taxed at your real marginal rate — you may get some back (or owe a little more).
State tax on bonuses — examples
| State | Approx. bonus rate |
|---|---|
| Texas, Florida, Washington, Nevada, Tennessee, etc. | 0% (no state income tax) |
| Most flat-tax states (e.g. IL, CO, NC) | ~4–5% |
| California (supplemental) | 10.23% |
| New York (supplemental) | ~11.7% |
Enter your state's rate above for an exact estimate. Need full income tax? Use the US paycheck calculator.
More US tools
- USA hub — all US calculators & guides.
- US Paycheck Calculator — full take-home pay by state.
- Overtime Calculator — time-and-a-half pay.
- Guide: how bonuses are taxed.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a bonus taxed in the US?
Percentage method: 22% federal (37% above $1M) + 6.2% Social Security + 1.45% Medicare + state. On $10,000 that's about $7,000 take-home before state tax.
Why is my bonus taxed so highly?
Bonuses are supplemental wages, withheld at a flat 22% federally — it's withholding, not your final tax. You reconcile it when you file.
How much state tax comes out of a bonus?
0% in no-income-tax states (TX, FL, WA…); California 10.23%, New York ~11.7%, most others 3–5%. Enter yours above.
Is the 22% my final tax?
No — it's withholding. Your bonus is ultimately taxed at your real marginal rate; you may get a refund or owe a bit more.
Estimates for guidance only, not tax advice. Confirm with the IRS or a qualified adviser.