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2026 flat-rate withholding

California Bonus Tax Calculator

See what your bonus nets after the 22% federal and 10.23% California flat rates — and whether you'll get some back at tax time.
Flat-rate method401(k) from bonusRefund estimate
$
$

Used to estimate your real tax on the bonus and the Social Security cap.

401(k) from bonus0%
Bonus after tax
$5,882.00

from a $10,000 bonus · 41.2% withheld

You keepFederal (22% flat)Social SecurityMedicareCalifornia (10.23% bonus rate)CA SDI
59%
you keep
Federal (22% flat)−$2,200.00
Social Security−$620.00
Medicare−$145.00
California (10.23% bonus rate)−$1,023.00
CA SDI−$130.00
Net bonus$5,882.00
Withheld vs. estimated real tax

On a $100,000 salary this bonus adds an estimated $4,025 to your yearly taxes, while $4,118 is withheld. Expect roughly $93 back when you file. (single filer, wages only)

How bonuses are taxed in California

When a bonus is paid separately from your regular wages, employers usually use the percentage (flat-rate) method:

WithholdingRateOn a $10,000 bonus
Federal22%$2,200
Social Security6.2%$620
Medicare1.45%$145
California10.23%$1,023
CA SDI1.3%$130
Total withheld41.2%$4,118

So a $5,000 bonus becomes about $2,941 and a $10,000 bonus about $5,882 in your account.

Withholding isn't your final tax

If your top federal bracket is 12%, the 22% withheld is too much and you'll get the difference back. If you're in the 32% bracket or higher, 22% is too little and you may owe. The card under the calculator estimates which side you're on based on your salary.

Bonus paid with your regular paycheck

If your employer adds the bonus to a normal paycheck without separating it, the whole check is withheld as if you earned that much every pay period — often more withholding up front. Enter the combined amount in the California paycheck calculator to see that version.

Frequently asked questions

How much tax is taken out of a bonus in California?+

Most employers use flat rates: 22% federal, 10.23% California, 6.2% Social Security, 1.45% Medicare and 1.3% SDI — about 41.2% in total. A $10,000 bonus nets about $5,882.

Why is California bonus tax 10.23%?+

California requires employers to withhold 10.23% on bonuses and stock options when they pay them separately from regular wages. Other supplemental pay, like commissions or overtime paid separately, uses 6.6%.

Are bonuses taxed more than regular pay?+

No. Bonuses are ordinary income. The flat withholding rate can be higher or lower than your actual bracket, and the difference is settled when you file your return.

Can I put my bonus into my 401(k) to lower the tax?+

Often yes, if your plan allows deferrals from bonuses. 401(k) money skips federal and California income tax withholding, though Social Security, Medicare and SDI still apply.

What about bonuses over $1 million?+

The part of supplemental wages above $1 million in a year must be withheld at 37% federally.