Wager Mage
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko Pexels Logo Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko

Is a $100 bonus taxable?

At the end of the year, any bonus you receive from an employer will be added to your wages, tips and other compensation. The total will be taxed according to the federal income tax rates that apply to you for that year.

Which sport is the hardest to go pro?
Which sport is the hardest to go pro?

The 5 Hardest Sports to Make it to the Pros In (Statistically) Ice Hockey. If you enjoy the majesty of gliding over the ice and the thrill of...

Read More »
Do random number generators have a pattern?
Do random number generators have a pattern?

But good random number generators don't have any clear pattern to their output, making finding which page of their codebook they correspond to very...

Read More »

If you’ve recently received a bonus or are about to, you may be surprised at how much your employer withholds for taxes. However, you won’t necessarily pay the amount that’s withheld when all is said and done. Here’s a closer look at how bonuses are taxed and how to plan for one.

How Are Bonuses Taxed?

At the end of the year, any bonus you receive from an employer will be added to your wages, tips and other compensation. The total will be taxed according to the federal income tax rates that apply to you for that year. For example, if you’re a single filer who earns $75,000 in regular wages and a $10,000 bonus in 2022, you’d pay:

10% on the first $10,275 ($1,027.50).

12% on the next $31,500 ($4,807.50).

And 22% on the next $43,225 ($9,509.50).

The total amount of federal income tax due on the $85,000 would be $15,344.50. Additionally, you’d be responsible for your share of Social Security tax (6.2%), Medicare tax (1.45%) and any state or local income taxes that apply where you live. While that may sound like a big check to write, you don’t pay it all at once. Instead, your employer withholds a portion from each of your paychecks and sends it to the IRS. When you file, you’ll get a refund if you overpaid or a bill if you underpaid.

How Does Tax Withholding Work on Bonuses?

The way your employer will withhold taxes from your bonus will depend on the situation and whether they use the percentage or aggregate method.

The Percentage Method

When employers use the percentage method, they withhold a flat percentage of your bonus and any other supplemental wages you earn. This method is an option for your employer if: You’ve received less than $1 million in supplemental wages in a calendar year, and;

Your supplemental wages are identified as separate from your regular wages, and;

Your employer has withheld income tax from your regular pay in the current or preceding year. When these conditions are met, your employer can opt for the percentage method and withhold 22% of your bonus and other supplemental wages. For example, if you received a $10,000 bonus, they’d withhold $2,200. If you receive more than $1 million in bonuses and other supplemental wages during a single calendar year, the IRS requires your employer to withhold 37% (or the highest rate of income tax for the year) of the amount above the $1 million mark.

Bonus Tax Rates With the Percentage Method:

$1 million or less: 22%

Over $1 million: 37%

While the percentage method is often the easiest for employers to use, it can cause some issues for you as the employee. “The high withholding rate results in a large tax refund for employees with effective tax rates below 22%. While this might sound good, many of those employees need the money during the year to cover their bills,” says Beth Logan, an enrolled agent at Kozlog. "If the employee has an effective tax rate above 22%, but doesn’t earn $1 million in supplemental wages, then they often end up owing a lot of money when they file their tax return. Unfortunately, taxpayers can be hit with interest penalties if they owe more than $1,000,” says Logan.

What is a roller bet?
What is a roller bet?

If you win your first bet, then your entire return (stake plus profit) will be staked on bet two. If you win bet two, then your entire stake plus...

Read More »
What is a snow boy?
What is a snow boy?

Snowboys are New Horizons' version of snowmen and can be built throughout the snowflake season. They're also sentient creatures which you construct...

Read More »

The Aggregate Method

The second withholding option is called the aggregate method. When employers go this route, they withhold federal income tax as if your bonus and regular wages for a payroll period are a single payment. Employers use worksheets and withholding tables provided by the IRS to figure out how much to withhold. This method is an option when you receive less than $1 million in supplemental wages in a calendar year, your bonus is separately identified from regular wages and you've had your pay withheld by your employer in the current or preceding year.

On the other hand, the aggregate method is mandatory, if:

Your employer hasn’t withheld income tax from your regular wages in the current or immediately preceding calendar year, or; If your bonus or another type of supplemental wage is paid but the amount isn’t differentiated from your regular wages. So, what does the aggregate method mean for you? “It often results in more money being withheld from your bonus. While that doesn't mean you’ll pay more tax in the end, it does mean that you'll often see less of your bonus upfront,” says Levon L. Galstyan, a certified public accountant.

Tax Planning Tips

While bonuses provide you with a lump sum of extra cash, they can have an undesirable impact on your tax bill. Depending on where your annual income sits, a bonus could bump you up to a higher tax bracket. If you want to lower your taxable income, you have a few options. “You can use your bonus to increase your contributions to your Health Savings Accounts or retirement funds like 401(k)s or traditional IRAs,” says Galystan. “You might also be able to discuss your bonus with your employer and push it to a subsequent year,” says Jeffrey Wood, a financial advisor at Lift Financial. “This can offer an advantage if your earnings are expected to be lower in the following year.” Beyond lowering your taxable income, it’s important to keep an eye on your tax withholdings to ensure they're set up in the way that will best benefit your situation.

What do the odds 7 to 4 mean?
What do the odds 7 to 4 mean?

7-4 Betting Odds means that out of 11 possible outcomes, the 7/4 odds are that there will be 7 of one kind of outcome and 4 of another kind of...

Read More »
What do 9 9 9 mean?
What do 9 9 9 mean?

Also, this number has a close connection with the Universe and its energy. 999 also represents change, transformation, renewed spirits,...

Read More »
Are there people who gamble for a living?
Are there people who gamble for a living?

The short answer is yes, but becoming a professional gambler is neither easy nor without its financial perils. Gambling for a living invites a...

Read More »
What are 3 rules in rugby?
What are 3 rules in rugby?

No shoulder pads or helmets in rugby. The ball must be pitched backwards to your teammates. No forward passes. A team can pitch the ball back and...

Read More »