Bonus Tax Calculator – California

California adds a 10.23% state supplemental tax on top of the federal 22%. Plus SDI at 1.1%. See your exact California bonus take-home below.

✓ Federal 22% + CA 10.23% included

✓ FICA + SDI calculated

✓ Total effective rate: ~39.9%

Bonus pay tax calculator · Percentage method

Gross bonus

$5,000.00

Federal withholding (22%)

$1,100.00

State withholding (6.60%)

$330.00

Social Security (6.2%)

$310.00

Medicare (1.45%)

$72.50

Total withholding

$1,812.50

36.25% effective

Net bonus (take-home)

$3,187.50

Important: This is an estimate of withholding, not your final tax. Your actual tax liability is reconciled when you file your return. Bonuses over $1M are withheld at 37% on the portion over $1M. State rules vary and may not match the flat rate shown. Consult a tax professional for binding advice.

California Bonus Tax Breakdown

California has one of the highest total bonus withholding rates in the nation. Here's the complete breakdown:

TaxRateOn $10,000 Bonus
Federal income tax22%$2,200
CA state income tax10.23%$1,023
Social Security6.2%$620
Medicare1.45%$145
CA SDI1.1%$110
Total withholding~40.98%$4,098
Take-home~59.02%$5,902

Why California Takes More

California's 10.23% supplemental wage rate is the highest flat state rate in the country. Combined with SDI (which most states don't have), California workers see roughly 10–12% more withheld from bonuses than workers in no-income-tax states like Texas or Florida.

High Earners: Additional Taxes

If your total income exceeds $200,000, you'll also owe the 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax and California's Mental Health Services Tax (1% on income over $1 million). These push the effective rate even higher for large bonuses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the California bonus tax rate?\u25BE
California withholds supplemental wages at a flat 10.23% for state income tax. Combined with the federal 22% and FICA (7.65%), the total withholding on a bonus in California is approximately 39.88%.
Does California have SDI on bonuses?\u25BE
Yes. California State Disability Insurance (SDI) is withheld at 1.1% on supplemental wages including bonuses, up to the annual taxable wage limit.