Last updated October 12, 2026 · Report an error
Bonuses are typically withheld at a flat "supplemental wage" rate rather than your regular paycheck's withholding rate — in the US, the federal flat rate is 22% for amounts up to $1 million. This withholding isn't your final tax bill; it's settled against your actual tax liability when you file.
This calculator estimates the withheld amount and net bonus using a flat withholding rate you can adjust.
How it works
Enter your bonus amount and a withholding rate (defaulting to the 22% US federal flat rate). The tool multiplies your bonus by that rate to find the withheld amount, then subtracts it to find your net (take-home) bonus.
- Enter bonus amount ($).
- Enter withholding rate (%, default 22% US federal flat rate).
- Click Calculate to see your results.
Examples
A $5,000 bonus at the default rate
A $5,000 bonus at the default 22% federal flat rate has $1,100 withheld, leaving a net bonus of $3,900.
Who should use it
- Estimating take-home pay from an expected bonus for budgeting.
- Understanding the difference between bonus withholding and actual tax liability.
Industry applications
- Payroll and personal finance
Advantages
- Quick estimate of net bonus using the standard flat withholding method.
- Adjustable withholding rate for non-default scenarios.
Limitations
- Federal withholding estimate only — doesn't include state/local tax or your actual marginal tax rate.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming the withheld amount is your actual final tax bill on the bonus, rather than an upfront withholding estimate.
- Forgetting that state and local withholding (if applicable) isn't included in this federal-only estimate.
Best practices
- Use this to estimate your net take-home bonus for budgeting purposes, but rely on your actual pay stub and year-end tax filing for your true final tax picture.
Tips
- If your bonus is combined with a regular paycheck rather than paid separately, your employer may use a different withholding method (the aggregate method) instead of the flat rate shown here.