The federal bonus tax withholding rate is typically 22%. However, employers could instead combine a bonus with your regular wages as though it's one of your usual paychecks—with your usual tax amount withheld. There are ways to reduce the tax impact of your bonus.
Bonus Amount: State the exact amount of the bonus being awarded. For instance, “You will receive a performance bonus of $5,000.” Rationale for Award: Provide a brief explanation of why the bonus is being awarded. This could include a summary of the employee's achievements and their impact on the organization.
The typical bonus amount can range from 1% to 15% of an employee's salary, usually depending on a number of factors such as industry, company performance, and individual or team accomplishments. The average bonus for employees continues to rise over time. In 2020, the average employee bonus was only 8.1%.
One of the most common types of bonus is an annual bonus, which employers give out once a year. Annual bonuses are usually based on your overall performance, although companies who use profit-sharing rewards may distribute bonuses based on company success and profits.
Another common “red flag” in a retention agreement is the stipulation that the employee's receipt of the bonus will be determined in the employer's “sole discretion.” You do not want to put this type of power in your employer's hands.