An annual bonus of 5-10% of your yearly salary is standard in a lot of industries, just as a 5-10% annual raise is considered standard. However, if you work on commission, you may see a significantly higher percentage. Your industry, company revenue, location, and level also heavily inform what's expected.
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.
If you're asking for a bonus for a specific project, provide facts and figures about the outcome of the project and how it exceeded the stakeholders' requirements. If you're asking for a bonus for more general reasons, offer details about why you deserve it.
Subject: Bonus Award Notification Dear Employee's Name, We are pleased to inform you that you have been awarded a bonus in recognition of your exceptional performance over the past period. This bonus is a testament to your dedication, hard work, and significant contributions to our team.
Advice: Speak to your manager. Having a discreet conversation in an emotionally intelligent way is key to finding out why you didn't receive what you were expecting. Sometimes our own perception of our work and efforts can differ from that of our peers and managers.
Ohio Administrative Code 5703-7-10 provides that withholding agents must withhold at least 3.5% on supplemental compensation such as bonuses, commissions, and other nonrecurring types of payments other than salaries and wages.