Bonus / Supplemental wages
A $250,000 bonus on L-1 in District of Columbia nets you $152,611
Federal supplemental withholding (22%) plus FICA and District of Columbia supplemental withholding take $97,389 (38.96%) off the top of a $250,000 bonus check, leaving $152,611. Tax year 2026.
Withholding breakdown
| Bonus (gross) | $250,000 |
| Federal supplemental withholding | −$55,000 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | −$11,439 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | −$3,625 |
| Additional Medicare (0.9%) | −$450 |
| District of Columbia state withholding | −$26,875 |
| Net bonus check | $152,611 |
- No published supplemental rate; estimated at DC top marginal rate (10.75%).
Other bonus amounts in District of Columbia
Frequently asked questions
Specific to this visa, state, and salary. Sourced to IRS, SSA, and state DOR.
How is bonus pay taxed for L-1 holders in District of Columbia?
Bonuses are "supplemental wages" under IRS Pub 15. The federal employer withholds a flat 22% on bonuses up to $1,000,000 cumulative per year (37% on the portion above that). FICA (Social Security 6.2% + Medicare 1.45%) applies to bonuses for L-1 holders. District of Columbia has no separate supplemental rate; the calculator uses the regular state rate.
Why is so much withheld from my bonus?
Bonus withholding is a flat rate, not your marginal rate — by IRS rule, employers withhold federal supplemental at 22% (or 37% above $1M cumulative) regardless of your bracket. That can over-withhold for low earners and under-withhold for very high earners. Your actual tax is reconciled when you file your 1040 in April: see our annual take-home pages for the marginal-rate view.
Will the bonus push me into a higher tax bracket?
No — only the dollars above a bracket are taxed at the higher rate, and bonus withholding is a flat rate independent of brackets. The bonus increases your total annual income, which can shift your marginal bracket, but not retroactively re-tax earlier income.
Can a L-1 holder claim a bonus refund at tax time?
Yes — if the 22% federal flat withholding exceeds your marginal effective rate, the excess is refunded when you file. The opposite (under-withholding) requires owing at filing.
Sources
- IRS Pub 15 — Supplemental Wages (opens in new tab) — Federal flat 22% / 37% supplemental withholding rule.
- IRS Pub 15-T (2026) (opens in new tab) — Methods of federal income tax withholding.
- District of Columbia Department of Revenue (opens in new tab)