💵 Bonus Tax Calculator 2026
Calculate how much of your bonus you'll take home after federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare withholding. Uses the 2026 IRS supplemental wage flat rate of 22% (37% over $1 million) plus FICA (7.65% on wages up to $184,500). Includes annual income tax bracket integration and effective rate analysis.
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, Social Security, and Medicare withholding. Bonuses are classified as supplemental wages by the IRS and are subject to special withholding rules.
For 2026, the IRS supplemental wage withholding rate is 22% for bonuses up to $1 million, and 37% on any amount over $1 million. Additionally, FICA taxes (Social Security at 6.2% up to $184,500 and Medicare at 1.45%) apply to all wages.
How Does the Bonus Tax Calculator Work?
The calculator performs the following steps:
- Federal Income Tax (Supplemental Rate): Applies the 22% flat rate to the bonus amount (or 37% on the portion over $1 million).
- Social Security Tax: 6.2% of the bonus, up to the annual wage base limit of $184,500.
- Medicare Tax: 1.45% of the bonus, with no wage cap.
- State Tax (Optional): Applies your state income tax rate to the bonus amount.
- Estimated Actual Tax: Calculates what your actual federal income tax would be on the bonus based on your marginal tax bracket (using your annual income + bonus).
- Withholding vs. Actual: Compares the flat 22% withholding to your estimated actual tax to show if you may be over- or under-withheld.
Why Use This Bonus Tax Calculator?
- 2026 Tax Rules: Uses the latest IRS tax rates and brackets for 2026.
- Bonus-Specific: Applies the supplemental wage flat rate (22% / 37%) correctly.
- FICA Included: Social Security (6.2% up to $184,500) and Medicare (1.45%).
- Withholding vs. Actual: See if 22% withholding matches your actual tax bracket.
- Free & Private: No registration, no data storage , all calculations run in your browser.
❓ Bonus Tax Calculator 2026 FAQ
What is the bonus tax rate for 2026?
For 2026, the IRS supplemental wage withholding rate is 22% on bonuses up to $1 million. Any amount over $1 million is withheld at 37%.
What is the FICA tax rate for 2026?
FICA tax is 7.65% total , 6.2% for Social Security (on wages up to $184,500) and 1.45% for Medicare (no wage cap).
What is the Social Security wage base for 2026?
The Social Security wage base for 2026 is $184,500. Wages above this amount are not subject to Social Security tax.
Why is my bonus taxed at 22% instead of my regular tax rate?
Bonuses are classified as supplemental wages by the IRS. Employers may use a flat 22% withholding rate for supplemental wages up to $1 million, separate from your regular paycheck withholding.
What is the difference between withholding and actual tax?
Withholding is what your employer takes out of your paycheck for taxes. Actual tax is what you owe based on your total income and tax bracket. If too much is withheld, you get a refund; if too little, you owe when you file.
Will my bonus push me into a higher tax bracket?
Only the income within each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate. Your bonus could push some of your income into a higher bracket, but only the portion that exceeds the bracket threshold is taxed at the higher rate.
Does the calculator include state taxes?
Yes , you can enter your state tax rate in the input field. The calculator will apply that rate to your bonus amount.
How accurate is this calculator?
This calculator provides accurate estimates based on 2026 IRS rates and formulas. However, actual tax liability depends on your full financial situation, deductions, credits, and other factors. Use this as a planning tool and consult a tax professional for precise advice.
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 if my bonus is paid with my regular paycheck?
If your bonus is combined with your regular paycheck (the aggregate method), the withholding may be calculated differently. This calculator assumes the bonus is paid separately using the flat 22% method.