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Washington Bonus Tax Calculator 2025

Estimate Federal & FICA Taxes on Your Bonus in Washington (No State Income Tax)

Enter Your Details


Estimated Bonus Breakdown

Gross Bonus Amount: $0.00
Federal Withholding: $0.00 (0.00%)
Social Security (6.2%): $0.00 (6.20%)
Medicare (1.45%): $0.00 (1.45%)
Total Taxes Withheld: $0.00 (0.00%)
Net Take-Home Bonus: $0.00
Select a method to see results.

Estimates only. Uses projected 2025 rates where available (e.g., supplemental rate). Aggregate method uses simplified 2025 bracket estimates. Washington has no state income tax on wages. Consult a tax professional for exact figures.

How to Use This Calculator

1
Enter Salary
Input your current annual salary before the bonus is added.
2
Input Bonus
Enter the gross amount of the bonus you expect to receive.
3
Select Pay Frequency
Choose how often you are paid (e.g., bi-weekly).
4
Choose Filing Status
Select your federal tax filing status (e.g., Single, MFJ).
5
Enter Dependents
Input the number of dependents (used for Aggregate method estimate).
6
Select Method
Choose either the Percentage or Aggregate method for calculation.
7
View Results
See your estimated tax breakdown and take-home bonus instantly on the right.

For official details on federal supplemental wage withholding, visit the IRS Publication 15 (Circular E), Employer's Tax Guide.

Washington Bonus Tax Rate 2025

Your bonus gets taxed at 22% for federal taxes in Washington. This is the standard federal rate for all bonus payments.

But here’s the good news: Washington has no state income tax. So you don’t pay any state tax on your bonus money.

How Bonuses Are Taxed in Washington 2025

When you get a bonus in Washington, two things happen:

Federal taxes: Your employer takes out 22% right away. If your total bonuses go over $1 million in one year, then the extra amount gets taxed at 37%.

State taxes: You pay zero. Washington doesn’t have state income tax on bonuses or regular pay.

Other taxes still apply:

  • Social Security: 6.2%
  • Medicare: 1.45%
  • WA Cares (long-term care): 0.58%

So your total tax withholding is around 30% on most bonuses. That’s lower than many other states because you skip the state income tax.

Two Ways Employers Tax Your Bonus

Separate check method: Your bonus comes in its own check. Your employer uses the flat 22% rate.

Combined method: Your bonus gets mixed with your regular paycheck. Your employer uses your normal tax rate, which might be higher or lower than 22%.

Most employers use the separate check method because it’s easier.

Washington Bonus Tax FAQs 2025

How are bonuses taxed in Washington for 2025?

Bonuses face federal taxes (22% under $1 million, 37% over $1 million) and Washington state taxes. Washington applies Business & Occupation (B&O) tax to employer gross receipts, including bonus payments. Some services linked to bonuses now face retail sales taxes.

What is the 2025 federal bonus tax rate?

The IRS taxes bonuses at 22% for amounts under $1 million. Bonuses over $1 million get taxed at 37% for the excess amount. This applies to all U.S. states, including Washington.

Why is my Washington bonus check smaller than expected?

Employers withhold 22%-37% federally plus 1.45% Medicare and 6.2% Social Security taxes. Washington adds B&O taxes on employers, which may reduce net bonus amounts.

How to calculate taxes on a $10,000 Washington bonus?

A $10,000 bonus loses $2,200 to federal taxes (22%), $620 to Social Security, and $145 to Medicare. Use PaycheckCity’s Washington bonus calculator for precise estimates.

Do bonuses count as taxable income in Washington?

Yes. Bonuses are taxable income federally and subject to Washington’s B&O tax for employers. Employees don’t pay state income tax but face federal/Social Security/Medicare deductions.

What’s the difference between percentage vs aggregate bonus taxes?

Percentage method: Flat 22% federal tax on separate bonus checks. Aggregate method: Taxed with regular pay using standard brackets. Employers choose the method.

Can a bonus push me into a higher tax bracket?

Yes. Large bonuses may move you to a higher federal bracket. Washington has no income tax, but federal brackets apply to total earnings.

How does Washington’s 2025 B&O tax affect bonuses?

Businesses paying bonuses face higher B&O tax rates (up to 3.75% vs 1.5% in 2024) if gross income exceeds $5 million. This may impact employer bonus budgets.

Are there ways to reduce taxes on Washington bonuses?

Defer part to 2026, contribute to retirement accounts, or use pre-tax deductions. Consult a tax pro for personalized strategies.

Do employers pay payroll taxes on Washington bonuses?

Yes. Employers pay 6.2% Social Security and 1.45% Medicare taxes on bonuses. Washington employers also pay unemployment taxes (up to 0.90% in 2025).