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California Bonus Tax Calculator 2026
California withholds a flat 10.23% state tax on bonuses, on top of 22% federal income tax and 7.65% for Social Security and Medicare. On a typical bonus you keep about 60.1%.
- Updated
- 2026 IRS and CA rates
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How California taxes bonuses
California withholds a flat 10.23% on bonuses and stock options. Other supplemental pay, such as commissions, uses 6.6%.
Flat 10.23% bonus rate
22% income tax (37% above $1 million), 6.2% Social Security and 1.45% Medicare.
Example: a $5,000 bonus in California has about $1,994.00 withheld, so you take home about $3,006.00.
California bonus after taxes
Estimated take-home pay for common bonus amounts, assuming your wages this year are under $184,500.
| Bonus | Total withheld | Take-home |
|---|---|---|
| $500 | $199 | $301 |
| $1,000 | $399 | $601 |
| $2,500 | $997 | $1,503 |
| $5,000 | $1,994 | $3,006 |
| $10,000 | $3,988 | $6,012 |
| $25,000 | $9,970 | $15,030 |
| $50,000 | $19,940 | $30,060 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the bonus tax rate in California?
For most people, about 39.88% of a bonus is withheld in California: 22% federal income tax, 6.2% Social Security, 1.45% Medicare and 10.23% state tax. On a $5,000 bonus you would take home about $3,006.00.
Why was so much tax taken out of my bonus?
Employers usually withhold a flat 22% federal tax on bonuses, which can be higher than the rate on your regular paycheck. It is withholding, not a separate tax: when you file your return, it is counted with the rest of your income, and you may get part of it back as a refund.
Is it better to get my bonus in a separate check?
A separate check is usually taxed at the flat 22% federal rate. If the bonus is added to a regular paycheck, your employer may use the aggregate method, which can withhold more or less for that pay period. Your total tax for the year is the same either way.
Bonus tax calculators for other states
- Alabama 5%
- Alaska 0%
- Arizona 2.5%
- Arkansas 3.9%
- Colorado 4.4%
- Connecticut 5.5%
- Delaware 5.55%
- District of Columbia 6.5%
- Florida 0%
- Georgia 5.09%
- Hawaii 7.9%
- Idaho 5.3%
- Illinois 4.95%
- Indiana 2.95%
- Iowa 3.8%
- Kansas 5%
- Kentucky 3.5%
- Louisiana 3%
- Maine 5%
- Maryland 4.75%
- Massachusetts 5%
- Michigan 4.25%
- Minnesota 6.25%
- Mississippi 4%
- Missouri 4.7%
- Montana 5%
- Nebraska 3.5%
- Nevada 0%
- New Hampshire 0%
- New Jersey 5.525%
- New Mexico 5.9%
- New York 11.7%
- North Carolina 4.09%
- North Dakota 1.5%
- Ohio 3.5%
- Oklahoma 4.5%
- Oregon 8%
- Pennsylvania 3.07%
- Rhode Island 5.99%
- South Carolina 6%
- South Dakota 0%
- Tennessee 0%
- Texas 0%
- Utah 4.5%
- Vermont 6.6%
- Virginia 5.75%
- Washington 0%
- West Virginia 4.82%
- Wisconsin 5.3%
- Wyoming 0%
Sources
- IRS Publication 15 (Circular E), 2026
- Patriot Software: 2026 state supplemental tax rates
- Deel: supplemental tax rates by state (2026)
This calculator estimates withholding, not your final tax bill. Your employer may use a different method, and local taxes are not included. For advice about your situation, talk to a tax professional.