Pick your filing status for an accurate marginal-rate truth. Employer withholding uses the IRS flat supplemental method, which is the same regardless of filing status. Married filers should add a spouse's income to the salary field for a closer result.
Why the bonus check feels small
The IRS calls bonuses "supplemental wages." Most employers use the percentage method: a flat 22% federal withholding on the bonus (37% on amounts above $1M), regardless of your actual bracket. That's why a $10,000 bonus can show up as ~$6,000 in your account, even though most people don't actually owe 40% on it.
The withheld amount and the real tax owed are reconciled at filing. If you're in a 12–24% federal bracket, you'll typically get part of it back. If you're in the 32–37% range, the 22% withholding is too low and you'll owe more.
Sources: IRS 2026 inflation adjustments (Rev. Proc. 2025-32, post-OBBBA), IRS Notice 2025-67 (retirement limits), IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-19 (HSA limits), SSA 2026 COLA fact sheet, state revenue departments, Tax Foundation 2026 State Individual Income Tax Rates. Estimates only — not tax advice.
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