Guide

Why is my bonus withholding so high?

A bonus can have federal withholding under supplemental wage rules. That withholding is a prepayment, not the final tax rate on your bonus.

What to check first

• Find the bonus gross amount.
• Find federal income tax withheld from the bonus payment itself.
• Do not mix year-to-date withholding with bonus-only withholding.
• Check whether payroll combined bonus and regular wages.

Use the calculator

Open the Bonus Withholding Calculator to compare your rate with IRS supplemental wage flat-rate references.

Last updated

May 17, 2026.