These calculators are provided for estimates only. Calculations will not affect SurePayroll account information. You must enter payroll data directly into your SurePayroll account to process it for an upcoming payroll period. Log into your account here or by clicking Log In at the top of the page. Please direct specific SurePayroll questions to Customer Care after logging in.
Information and interactive calculators are made available to you only as self-help tools for your independent use and are not intended to provide legal, investment or tax advice. We cannot and do not guarantee their applicability or accuracy in regard to your individual circumstances. All examples are hypothetical and are for illustrative purposes. We encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding all personal finance issues.
How to use the bonus tax calculator
For a more complete estimate, have recent payroll information available and enter the requested details, including the check date, state, bonus amount, year-to-date gross pay, withholding information, and any applicable deductions. The fields may vary based on the information you enter.
The calculator uses your entries to estimate payroll deductions and take-home bonus pay. Adjust the inputs to compare different bonus amounts or withholding scenarios.
Calculator results are estimates and may differ from actual payroll results.
What taxes can apply to a bonus?
Bonuses are wages and may be subject to federal income tax withholding, Social Security and Medicare taxes, and applicable state and local withholding.
For federal income tax withholding, the calculation can depend on how the bonus is paid and identified. When IRS requirements are met, employers may use a 22% flat withholding rate for separately identified supplemental wages or calculate withholding using the aggregate method. These withholding methods determine how much federal income tax is withheld from the payment. They do not determine the employee’s final income tax liability.
Learn how to pay employee bonuses, including the percentage and aggregate withholding methods and payroll tax considerations.
Bonus withholding and your results
The amount withheld from a bonus is not necessarily the same as the amount of income tax ultimately owed on that payment. Federal withholding is one part of the estimate, along with Social Security and Medicare taxes and any applicable state or local withholding.
Actual results can vary based on payroll information and tax circumstances. For advice about an individual tax situation, consult a qualified tax professional.
State and local withholding
State and local withholding rules vary. Enter the applicable state information requested by the calculator to include those deductions in the estimate.
For additional paycheck estimates by state, explore the state paycheck calculators.
Calculate a bonus before you run payroll
Estimating a bonus is one step. When it is time to pay employees, SurePayroll By Paychex can help process payroll and manage applicable payroll tax withholding.
Let's answer some of your questions
How do I calculate my take-home bonus?
Start with the gross bonus amount and account for applicable federal income tax withholding, Social Security and Medicare taxes, and state or local withholding. Enter the requested payroll information in the bonus tax calculator to estimate deductions and the take-home amount.
Is a bonus taxed at 22%?
Not necessarily. The 22% rate is a federal income tax withholding rate available for certain supplemental wage payments. Depending on how the bonus is paid and the applicable IRS requirements, an employer may instead use the aggregate withholding method. The amount withheld does not determine the employee’s final income tax liability. Learn how to pay employee bonus.
What information do I need to use the bonus tax calculator?
Have recent payroll information available. The calculator may request details such as the check date, state, bonus amount, year-to-date gross pay, federal and state withholding information, exemption status, and applicable deductions. The fields may vary based on the information entered.
