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Updated for tax year 2024.
If you’re an employee, you’re probably familiar with federal income tax and other withholdings on your regular paycheck. But what happens when you receive a year-end bonus or other types of supplemental income? Understanding how your bonus is taxed can help you plan for the best outcome at tax time and minimize your tax liability.
At a glance:
- Employee bonus payments are taxable just like regular wages or other supplemental wages.
- Employers can determine income tax withholding on bonuses using either the aggregate method (adding the bonus to regular wages) or a flat rate of 22%.
- Your bonus is included in your gross income on Form W-2 and contributes to your overall taxable income.
Bonus tax rate: How bonuses are taxed
Employee bonuses, including year-end bonuses, are considered supplemental wages and are subject to the same tax withholding rules as your regular pay. This means that the IRS requires federal income tax, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax to be withheld from your bonus. In addition, state taxes may also be applied based on your location.
Your employer typically withholds 6.2% for Social Security tax and 1.45% for Medicare tax, just like they do for your regular paycheck. These amounts, along with the federal income tax withholding, are reported on Form W-2. The bonus amount is considered part of your gross income, contributing to your tax bracket and possibly pushing you into a higher tax bracket depending on the total amount of income received.
Income tax withholding methods for bonuses
When it comes to withholding income tax from your bonus, employers have two options:
1. Aggregate method
The aggregate method involves adding your bonus to your regular paycheck. This means that your bonus is taxed at the same rate as your regular income, based on your current tax bracket. This method might lead to a higher withholding rate if your bonus pushes you into a higher tax bracket temporarily.
2. Flat rate method
The percentage method, also known as the flat rate method, allows employers to withhold a flat 22% from your bonus for federal income tax (in addition to Social Security and Medicare taxes). This is often simpler and applies regardless of your income tax rate. If your bonus exceeds $1 million, the first $1 million is taxed at 22%, while any amount over $1 million is taxed at a higher rate of 37%.
Reporting your bonus on your tax return
Your Form W-2, which you receive at the beginning of the tax year, will include your bonus as part of your wages. Box 1 of your Form W-2 will reflect your taxable income, including both regular wages and any supplemental wages like bonuses. Since the taxes are already withheld by your employer, you don’t need to do anything extra to report your bonus to the IRS.
Not all bonuses are taxable
Certain non-cash bonuses may not be subject to income tax. For example, small bonuses like gift cards, event tickets, or holiday gifts may be excluded from taxable income under certain conditions. However, calling something a “gift” doesn’t make it nontaxable. For example, if your employer gives you a holiday cash bonus of $500 at Christmas, it is considered taxable income.
Strategies to lower the tax impact of your bonus
A little tax planning can help reduce the tax bite from your year-end bonus. Here are some options to consider:
- Contribute to retirement accounts: Increasing your contributions to your IRA, 401(k), or even health savings account (HSA) can reduce your taxable income, effectively lowering the overall amount of taxes owed.
- Charitable contributions: If you plan on itemizing tax deductions, contributing to charities can reduce your tax bill. Charitable donations made during the year or even at the end of the year can help offset additional taxable income.
Adjusting your withholding
If you expect a large bonus, you might consider adjusting your Form W-4 before or after receiving the bonus. For example, if your employer uses the aggregate method, you could request fewer withholdings on your Form W-4 to offset the higher withholding rate on your bonus. Alternatively, after receiving your bonus, you may want to increase your withholdings to avoid surprises at tax filing time. This can help you avoid a higher tax liability or unexpectedly owing taxes during the next year.
Tax Tip: TaxAct® has a handy W-4 calculator that can help you fill out your W-4 form in the way that’s most beneficial for your goals and tax situation1.
Understanding different types of supplemental income
Bonuses are just one form of supplemental income. Overtime pay, severance pay, and even fringe benefits like gift cards are also considered supplemental wages. These different types of income may also affect your tax situation and withholding rate. Always consult a tax professional or CPA for specific tax advice on the best approach for your personal finances. Remember, TaxAct Xpert Assist is also available as an added service when you e-file with us and will allow you to speak to real tax experts before submitting your return2.
Receiving a bonus check can be exciting, but it’s important to understand how the amount of taxes withheld will affect your overall tax refund or tax liability for the year. Here are a few additional tips:
- Save part of your bonus for taxes: If you expect your bonus to push you into a higher tax bracket, set aside some of the money to cover any tax liability.
- Consider tax impact: Bonuses received late in the year can affect the tax return you’ll file in the following year. Proper tax planning can help you prepare for any potential changes to your tax bracket or tax deductions.
The bottom line
Bonuses are a great reward for your hard work, but it’s crucial to understand the withholding rules and plan for any tax impact. Whether your employer uses the aggregate method or the flat rate, knowing how your bonus pay will be taxed helps you prepare and potentially lower the impact on your tax return. Proper planning and tax preparation can help you make the most of your bonus while minimizing your tax bill.