How Bonuses Are Taxed

Why your bonus check looks smaller than expected, and how supplemental withholding works.

A bonus is treated as supplemental wages. Employers commonly withhold federal income tax at a flat 22% rate, then add Social Security, Medicare, and state tax.

Is a bonus taxed more than regular pay?

Not in the end. The 22% is withholding, not your final tax. When you file, the bonus is added to your other income and taxed at your normal bracket rates, so you may get some back or owe a little more.

How to estimate your bonus

Use the bonus tax calculator to see a quick estimate after withholding.

Updated October 2026. For information only, not tax advice.