🎯 Bonus Tax Calculator 2026
Calculate the after-tax amount of your bonus for the 2026 tax year. Includes federal income tax (flat 22% supplemental withholding), FICA (Social Security + Medicare), and state income tax. Updated for 2026 tax brackets and rates.
What Is a Bonus Tax Calculator?
A bonus tax calculator helps you estimate how much of your bonus you'll actually take home after federal income tax, FICA (Social Security and Medicare), and state income tax withholding. Bonuses are considered supplemental wages and are subject to different withholding rules than regular pay.
For the 2026 tax year, bonuses are typically withheld at a flat 22% for federal income tax (or 37% if total supplemental wages exceed $1 million). This is a withholding rate , your actual tax liability may differ when you file your tax return.
How Does the Bonus Tax Calculator Work?
The calculator performs the following steps:
- Federal Income Tax Withholding , applies the flat 22% supplemental rate (or 37% for bonuses over $1M).
- Social Security (FICA) , 6.2% on wages up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500.
- Medicare (FICA) , 1.45% on all wages (no cap).
- Additional Medicare Tax , 0.9% on wages over $200,000.
- State Income Tax , flat-rate calculation for all 50 states (simplified estimate).
- Take-Home Bonus , gross bonus minus all taxes withheld.
- Effective Tax Rate , total tax divided by gross bonus.
Why Use This Bonus Tax Calculator?
- Updated for 2026: Uses the latest tax rates, wage bases, and standard deductions.
- All 50 States: Includes state income tax estimates for every state.
- FICA Details: Accurately calculates Social Security (6.2% up to $184,500) and Medicare (1.45%).
- Visual Chart: See the breakdown of your bonus at a glance.
- Free & Private: No registration, no data storage , all calculations are done in your browser.
❓ Bonus Tax Calculator 2026 FAQ
How are bonuses taxed in 2026?
Bonuses are considered supplemental wages and are subject to a flat 22% federal income tax withholding rate. If your total supplemental wages exceed $1 million for the year, the excess is withheld at 37%. FICA taxes (Social Security + Medicare) also apply.
What is the Social Security wage base for 2026?
The 2026 Social Security wage base is $184,500. Social Security tax (6.2%) is only withheld on wages up to this amount.
What is the Medicare tax rate for 2026?
The Medicare tax rate is 1.45% on all wages with no cap. An additional 0.9% Medicare tax applies to wages over $200,000.
What is the standard deduction for 2026?
The 2026 standard deduction is $16,100 for single filers, $32,200 for married filing jointly, and $24,150 for head of household.
What are the 2026 federal tax brackets?
The seven tax rates for 2026 are: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%. The 37% bracket starts at $640,600 for single filers.
Does this calculator include state income tax?
Yes, this calculator includes simplified state income tax estimates for all 50 states. State tax rates vary widely , some states have no income tax, while others have flat or progressive rates.
Is the 22% withholding my actual tax rate?
No. The 22% is a withholding rate, not your final tax rate. When you file your tax return, your bonus is added to your total income and taxed at your marginal tax rate. If too much was withheld, you'll get a refund; if too little, you'll owe additional tax.
How accurate is this calculator?
This calculator provides accurate estimates based on 2026 tax rates, wage bases, and standard deductions. However, actual tax liability depends on your total income, deductions, credits, and other factors. Use this as a planning tool and consult a tax professional for precise calculations.
Is this calculator free to use?
Yes, this calculator is completely free to use. No registration or personal data storage is required. All calculations are performed in your browser.
What is the difference between bonus tax withholding and actual tax?
Withholding is the amount your employer deducts from your bonus and sends to the IRS as a prepayment. Your actual tax is determined when you file your tax return. If withholding is higher than your actual tax, you get a refund. If it's lower, you owe the difference.