What is the tax rate for a bonus?

Generally, most employers and payroll providers choose to use the percentage method. Under tax reform, the federal tax rate for withholding on a bonus was lowered to 22%, down from the federal income tax rate of 25%. Check out our updated bonus calculator. This tool answers one of our most frequently asked questions.

How much is a 2 million bonus taxed?

For example, if you receive a 2 million bonus, then 22% is taxed on the first million, which is 1000000 * 0.22 = 220000, and 37% is taxed on the rest of the bonus amount, which is (2000000 - 1000000) * 0.37 = 370000. You have to deduct 220000+370000 = 590000 amount for the federal tax. Let's have another example for a lesser amount than 1 million.

What percentage of a bonus goes to the IRS?

If you receive a $5,000 bonus, under this rule, $1,250 (25% of $5,000) goes straight to the IRS. Using this approach, the amount of your bonus, whatever it is, is “singled out” from the rest of your income and taxed directly. Employers frequently choose the percentage method because it’s easier to tax the entire bonus at a uniform rate.