North Carolina Bonus Tax Calculator (2026)
North Carolina withholds 4.09% state income tax on bonuses, on top of the federal 22% and 7.65% FICA.
North Carolina rules for bonuses
Optional flat supplemental rate. Published rates: 4.09% for supplemental wages paid separately or specified.
- Only if NC tax is withheld from regular wages; otherwise aggregate
- Withholding rate = 3.99% + 0.1%
If you withhold income tax from an employee's regular wages, you can use one of these methods for the supplemental wages: (a) Withhold a flat 4.09 percent...
Local taxes: None
Take-home bonus by amount
| Bonus | Federal (22%) | FICA | State | Take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $220 | $77 | $41 | $663 |
| $2,500 | $550 | $191 | $102 | $1,657 |
| $5,000 | $1,100 | $383 | $205 | $3,313 |
| $10,000 | $2,200 | $765 | $409 | $6,626 |
| $20,000 | $4,400 | $1,530 | $818 | $13,252 |
| $50,000 | $11,000 | $3,825 | $2,045 | $33,130 |
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What is the bonus tax rate in North Carolina?
North Carolina withholds 4.09% on bonuses when the employer chooses the flat supplemental rate, on top of the federal 22% and 7.65% FICA.
How much of a $10,000 bonus do I keep in North Carolina?
About $6,626 for a single filer earning $85,000: $2,200 federal, $765 Social Security and Medicare and $409 state.
Will I get some of the bonus tax back?
Possibly. The 22% federal rate is only withholding. At tax time your bonus is taxed at your bracket (22% at this salary), and North Carolina's flat supplemental rate can also differ from your actual state rate.