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Robert A. Imparato, Jr CFP®
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional
Craig A. Hyldahl CFP®
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional
R.I.C.H. Planning Group, LLC
105 Fieldcrest Avenue, Suite #507
Edison, NJ 08837
Robert: 732-326-5240
Craig: 732-326-5240
Fax: 732-326-5331
Robert: robert@richplanninggroup.com
Craig: craig@richplanninggroup.com
Website: www.richplanninggroup.com
March/April 2025
How Bonuses Are Taxed
Many employers typically pay annual bonuses in the first quarter of the year. If you received a bonus for the first time this year, you may be surprised at the net amount of your "windfall."
Why the Surprise?
Work bonuses are classified as supplemental wages subject to federal income tax withholding. They are also subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes, and in some cases, state taxes apply. The IRS provides employers with specific guidelines outlining the methods for calculating federal income tax on supplemental wages.The default rate for federal income tax withholding on bonuses less than $1 million is 22% and employers can withhold that amount. Alternatively, the employer can combine regular and supplemental wages to calculate the tax amount. That means your bonus may be taxed at your highest individual income tax rate, not to mention any state tax. You may receive some of the withheld amount back as a tax refund. Check with your tax professional.
Handling the Influx of Cash
So, now that you're over the tax sticker shock, what will you do with your windfall? Consider rewarding yourself in some small way, such as a weekend away or that electronic device you've wanted.Contributing the rest to tax-advantaged accounts such as a 401(k) or IRA is a good move. By contributing at least part of your bonus to these accounts, you save for your future and may offset some of your tax bill for the year.
Another way to minimize the tax impact is to consider charitable contributions. Donating a portion of your bonus to qualified charitable organizations not only supports meaningful causes but also provides a deduction that can lower your taxable income.
While it won't reduce taxes, you may want to use some of your bonus to pay off a high-interest credit card or student loan.
Be careful not to become reliant on annual bonuses. In tight economic times, bonuses can be reduced or even suspended.
The choice is yours, but being strategic with your bonus can lead to substantial financial benefits.
GE-7423289.1(12/24)(Exp.12/28)
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Duly registered and licensed financial professionals offer securities through Equitable Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-314-4600), member FINRA,SIPC (Equitable Financial Advisors in MI & TN), offer investment advisory products and services through Equitable Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor, and offer annuity and insurance products through Equitable Network, LLC (Equitable Network Insurance Agency of Utah, LLC in UT; Equitable Network of Puerto Rico, Inc.). Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/D/V. Equitable Advisors and its associates and affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice or services.
R.I.C.H. Planning Group, LLC is not owned or operated by Equitable Advisors or Equitable Network. GE-6572038.1 (4/24)(Exp. 4/26)
CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.
These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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