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Bonus Gross-Up Calculator

Find the gross bonus needed to deliver a target net after federal, state, and FICA withholding.

Results

Required gross bonus
$7,651
Federal withholding
$1,683
State withholding
$383
FICA withholding
$585

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter the desired net bonus amount.
  2. Enter federal, state, and FICA rates (supplemental rates are common for bonuses).
  3. See the gross bonus required and the withholding breakdown.

Inputs explained

Desired net bonus
Amount the employee should receive after withholding.
Federal rate (%)
Supplemental withholding rate (e.g., 22%).
State rate (%)
State supplemental rate; varies by state.
FICA (%)
Social Security + Medicare combined (commonly 7.65%).

How it works

Combined withholding = federal + state + FICA. Gross bonus = desired net ÷ (1 − combined rate).

Withholding amounts = gross × respective rates.

Formula

Combined rate = Federal + State + FICA
Gross = Desired net ÷ (1 − Combined rate)
Withholding = Gross × Rate

When to use it

  • Grossing up bonuses to deliver a specific net amount.
  • Modeling bonus costs for budgets or offer letters.
  • Checking how different state rates affect gross-up amounts.

Tips & cautions

  • Use supplemental withholding rates for bonuses; they can differ from regular payroll withholding.
  • If the employee hits the Social Security wage base, adjust FICA accordingly.
  • Keep state/local extras in mind—enter a higher state rate if local taxes apply.
  • Simplifies withholding; does not model local taxes, wage base caps, or other deductions.
  • Assumes flat rates; actual payroll may adjust for wage base or local rules.
  • Does not handle 401(k) or benefit deductions—gross-up accordingly if needed.

Worked examples

$5,000 net, 22% federal, 5% state, 7.65% FICA

  • Combined rate ≈ 34.65%
  • Gross ≈ $7,647.06
  • Federal ≈ $1,682.35; State ≈ $382.35; FICA ≈ $584.65

$2,500 net, 22% federal, 0% state, 7.65% FICA

  • Combined rate ≈ 29.65%
  • Gross ≈ $3,553.56
  • Federal ≈ $781.78; State = $0; FICA ≈ $271.35

Deep dive

This bonus gross-up calculator shows the gross bonus required to deliver a target net after federal, state, and FICA withholding.

Use it to budget bonuses, create offers, or plan year-end payouts with clear withholding breakdowns.

FAQs

What about Social Security wage cap?
This assumes full FICA. If the wage base is exceeded, reduce FICA accordingly.
Local taxes?
Not included—add to the state rate if you want to approximate local withholding.
Can I include 401(k) contributions?
Not directly. Increase gross to cover pre-tax deductions if you need the same net.
Supplemental vs regular withholding?
Use your payroll’s supplemental rates for bonuses; enter those rates here.
Does this account for phaseouts/credits?
No. This is a flat-rate gross-up for payroll withholding.

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For payroll estimates only. Actual withholding depends on payroll settings, wage bases, and local taxes. Verify with your payroll provider.