Insights
Visa pay, taxes & bonuses, explained
Source-cited guides on the tax questions work-visa holders search for most: bonus and supplemental withholding, FICA exemptions, and how your paycheck is actually taxed. New articles every few weeks.
H-1B Tax Percentage: How Much Tax H-1B Holders Pay in 2026, by State and Salary
Most H-1B holders pay between 18% and 34% of their salary in tax, depending on how much they earn and where they live. This guide breaks down the three layers (federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare, state tax), lists the 2026 percentage for every state at $80k, $120k and $180k, and covers what moves it: your first year, marriage, a 401(k), and moving states.
Is an H-1B Holder a Resident Alien? The Substantial Presence Test for 2026
H-1B holders are not automatically resident aliens. Residency is decided by the substantial presence test, a day-count with a three-year weighting. This guide explains the formula, why H-1B holders count every day while F-1 and J-1 holders do not, and what nonresident status costs you in real dollars for 2026.
2026 Bonus Tax Rates by State: How Supplemental Wages Are Withheld
Bonuses are not taxed at a special higher rate. They are withheld differently. This guide covers the 2026 federal supplemental rate (22% and 37%), every state's supplemental wage withholding rate (California 10.23%, New York 11.7%, and the rest), and why the amount withheld is not the amount you owe.