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West Virginia Bonus Tax Calculator 2025

Gross Bonus Amount $0.00
Federal Withholding (22%) $0.00
West Virginia State Tax $0.00
Social Security Tax (6.2%) $0.00
Medicare Tax (1.45%) $0.00
Additional Medicare Tax $0.00
Total Tax Withheld $0.00
Net Bonus Amount $0.00
How to Use This Calculator
1
Enter Your Bonus Amount
Input the gross amount of your bonus before any taxes are deducted.
2
Select Filing Status
Choose your tax filing status to ensure accurate state tax calculations.
3
Add Salary Information
Enter your annual salary and year-to-date earnings for precise tax withholding calculations.
4
Review Results
View your detailed tax breakdown and net bonus amount after all deductions.

How Bonuses Are Taxed in West Virginia

Your bonus gets taxed differently than your regular paycheck. It’s not more expensive, but it looks different.

West Virginia takes state income tax from your bonus. The federal government also takes federal taxes. So you’ll see both taxes come out.

Federal Tax on Your Bonus

The federal government takes a flat 22% from your bonus. This happens if your bonus comes in a separate check. If your bonus is over $1 million, they take 37% instead.

This flat rate also applies to:

  • Commission payments
  • Overtime pay
  • Severance pay
  • Holiday bonuses

West Virginia State Tax on Bonuses

West Virginia uses regular income tax rates for bonuses. The state doesn’t have a special flat rate like the federal government.

Your bonus gets added to your regular income. Then West Virginia calculates tax based on your total income for the year.

2025 West Virginia Income Tax Rates:

  • 2.36% on income up to $10,000
  • 3.15% on income from $10,001 to $25,000
  • 3.94% on income from $25,001 to $40,000
  • 4.73% on income from $40,001 to $60,000
  • 5.12% on income over $60,000

Why Your Bonus Looks Heavily Taxed

Your bonus might look like it’s taxed at a high rate. But that’s just withholding, not your final tax bill.

When you file your tax return, you might get some money back. Or you might owe a little more. It depends on your total income for the year.

The withholding is just an estimate. Your actual tax rate depends on all your income combined.

What This Means for You

If you get a $1,000 bonus, here’s what might happen:

  • Federal tax: $220 (22%)
  • West Virginia tax: varies by your total income
  • You keep the rest

Remember, this is just withholding. Your final tax bill gets calculated when you file your return.

FAQs about Bonus Tax in West Virginia for 2025

1. What is the West Virginia bonus tax rate for 2025?

In 2025, West Virginia’s supplemental tax rate for bonuses is 4.92%, reduced from 5.12% due to a 4% personal income tax cut effective January 1, 2025. Federally, bonuses are taxed at 22% up to $1 million and 37% beyond that, per IRS rules. This rate applies to supplemental income like bonuses, separate from regular wages.

2. How is a bonus taxed in West Virginia in 2025?

In West Virginia for 2025, a bonus is taxed using the supplemental method: 4.92% state tax, 22% federal tax (or 37% over $1 million), 6.2% Social Security (up to $176,100 total wages), and 1.45% Medicare (2.35% if total income exceeds $200,000 for singles). The employer withholds these taxes separately from regular pay. Net bonus amounts vary based on year-to-date earnings and filing status.

3. Are bonuses taxed differently than regular income in West Virginia?

Yes, in West Virginia for 2025, bonuses are taxed as supplemental income at a flat 4.92% state rate and 22% federal rate (up to $1 million), unlike regular income, which uses graduated tax brackets. Social Security and Medicare taxes also apply based on total earnings. This flat-rate method simplifies withholding but may result in higher initial taxes.

4. What is the federal tax rate on bonuses in 2025?

For 2025, the federal tax rate on bonuses is 22% for amounts up to $1 million and 37% for amounts exceeding $1 million, as set by IRS supplemental tax rules. This applies nationwide, including West Virginia, and is withheld separately from regular income taxes. Additional Social Security and Medicare taxes may also apply.

5. How much tax will I pay on a $5,000 bonus in West Virginia in 2025?

On a $5,000 bonus in West Virginia in 2025, you’d pay $1,100 federal tax (22%), $246 state tax (4.92%), $310 Social Security (6.2%, if under $176,100 total wages), and $72.50 Medicare (1.45%), totaling $1,728.50. Your net bonus would be $3,271.50, assuming no additional Medicare tax applies. Adjust based on your year-to-date earnings.

6. Will West Virginia reduce bonus taxes again in 2025?

West Virginia reduced its supplemental tax rate to 4.92% in 2025 following a 4% income tax cut, but no further reductions are confirmed for 2025 as of April 1. Future cuts depend on state revenue and legislative decisions. Check official WV tax announcements for updates.

7. How does year-to-date income affect bonus taxes in West Virginia?

In 2025, your year-to-date income impacts Social Security and Medicare taxes on a West Virginia bonus. If your total wages (including the bonus) exceed $176,100, Social Security tax (6.2%) stops; if over $200,000 (single), Medicare rises to 2.35%. Federal and state rates (22% and 4.92%) remain unaffected.

8. Can I avoid taxes on my bonus in West Virginia in 2025?

You can’t fully avoid taxes on a 2025 West Virginia bonus, but contributing to a 401(k) or HSA can lower your taxable income, indirectly reducing the tax burden. Bonuses still face mandatory federal (22%) and state (4.92%) withholding, plus Social Security and Medicare. Consult a tax professional for personalized strategies.

9. Why are bonuses taxed so high in West Virginia?

Bonuses in West Virginia for 2025 seem heavily taxed because they’re hit with a flat 22% federal rate and 4.92% state rate, plus Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%), totaling over 34% before thresholds. This flat-rate method ensures quick withholding but may overtax compared to regular income brackets. Refunds adjust overtaxation later.

10. What’s the difference between supplemental and aggregate tax methods for bonuses in WV?

In West Virginia for 2025, the supplemental method taxes bonuses at flat rates (22% federal, 4.92% state), while the aggregate method combines bonus and regular pay, taxing the total at your regular income bracket rate. Employers typically use the supplemental method for simplicity. The choice affects withholding, not final tax liability.

11. How do I calculate my net bonus in West Virginia for 2025?

To calculate your 2025 West Virginia net bonus, subtract federal tax (22%), state tax (4.92%), Social Security (6.2%, if under $176,100), and Medicare (1.45%) from your gross bonus. For a $10,000 bonus: $2,200 + $492 + $620 + $145 = $3,457; net = $6,543. Use a calculator for precision with your earnings.

12. Are there new bonus tax rules in West Virginia for 2025?

The main new rule for 2025 in West Virginia is the state supplemental tax rate dropping to 4.92% due to a January tax cut; federal rules remain unchanged at 22% or 37%. No other significant changes are noted as of April 1, 2025. Monitor WV tax division updates for late-year adjustments.

13. How does filing status affect bonus taxes in West Virginia?

In 2025, filing status (single or married) affects Medicare tax on West Virginia bonuses: singles pay an extra 0.9% (2.35% total) if total income exceeds $200,000, while married couples hit this at $250,000. Federal and state rates (22%, 4.92%) stay the same. Year-to-date earnings determine the threshold.

14. What happens if my employer doesn’t withhold bonus taxes in WV?

If your employer doesn’t withhold taxes on your 2025 West Virginia bonus, you’ll owe the full amount (22% federal, 4.92% state, plus Social Security/Medicare) when filing your taxes. You may need to make estimated payments to avoid penalties. Contact your employer or a tax expert immediately.

15. Is there a bonus tax calculator for West Virginia in 2025?

Yes, online tools like payroll calculators can estimate your 2025 West Virginia bonus taxes using the 4.92% state rate, 22% federal rate, and applicable Social Security/Medicare rates. Input your bonus, year-to-date earnings, and filing status for accuracy. Check reputable sites like ADP or custom WV tools.