$15,000 Bonus After Taxes

Using the flat-rate method most employers apply to bonuses, a $15,000 bonus has about $3,300 withheld for federal income tax (22%), plus $930 Social Security and $218 Medicare — leaving roughly $10,553 before any state tax. Your final tax depends on your total income; if too much was withheld you get it back at filing.

Bonuses are "supplemental wages." Employers usually withhold a flat 22% for federal income tax instead of your normal rate, then add 7.65% FICA — about 30% total before state tax. It's withholding, not a special bonus tax rate, so over-withholding comes back as a refund.

No. At tax time a bonus is ordinary income taxed at your normal marginal rate. It only looks higher because the flat 22% withholding is often more than your actual rate. Use the bonus tax calculator with your salary and state for the true number.