2026 signing bonus withholding
Signing Bonus Tax Calculator
See your signing bonus after federal supplemental withholding, state income tax, and FICA — before your first paycheck arrives.
Compare percentage vs aggregate methods on the Bonus Tax Calculator →
Leaving your current role? Try the Severance Pay Calculator →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much tax is withheld on a signing bonus?
Most employers withhold federal tax at the 22% supplemental wage flat rate, plus state income tax and FICA (Social Security and Medicare). On cumulative supplemental wages over $1 million in the year, the federal flat rate rises to 37%.
How do I calculate my signing bonus after tax?
Enter your bonus amount, state, filing status, and expected annual salary in the ExactTakeHome signing bonus tax calculator. It shows federal, state, and FICA withholding and your estimated net deposit.
Does a signing bonus count as income?
Yes. A signing bonus is ordinary W-2 income in the year you receive it. It appears on your W-2 and is included in your adjusted gross income when you file your tax return.
Data Sources & Methodology
ExactTakeHome tax data is sourced from official government publications and verified against primary sources. Last verified: .
- Federal withholding: IRS Publication 15-T — Federal Income Tax Withholding Methods
- Social Security wage base: SSA 2026 Social Security Wage Base
- Medicare rates: IRS Topic No. 751 — Social Security and Medicare Withholding Rates
- State income tax: California Franchise Tax Board — 2026 California Employer's Withholding Schedules
How signing bonus withholding works
Signing bonuses are supplemental wages. Employers typically apply the IRS 22% flat federal withholding rate, plus state tax and FICA. Your actual tax liability depends on your total annual income when you file.