UK Bonus Tax Calculator
Find out exactly how much of your bonus you'll take home after Income Tax, National Insurance, and Student Loan deductions.
Bonus Details
Calculate tax on your bonus for 2025/26
Bonus After Tax
Your bonus breakdown for 2025/26
Net Bonus (After Deductions)
£2,970
From £5,000 gross bonus
Effective Tax Rate
40.6%
Marginal Rate
20%
Tax Band
Basic Rate (20%)
Based on total income of £50,000
You Keep
59.4%
Of your £5,000 bonus
Total Lost to Tax
£2,030
Income Tax + NI + Student Loan
Understanding Bonus Tax in the UK
How Bonuses Are Taxed
Bonuses are treated as additional income and taxed at your marginal rate. There's no special "bonus tax rate" - HMRC simply adds your bonus to your annual earnings and calculates tax accordingly.
Tax Rates on Bonuses 2025/26:
- • Basic rate: 20% income tax + 8% NI = 28%
- • Higher rate: 40% income tax + 8% NI = 48%
- • Above £50,270: 40% tax + 2% NI = 42%
- • Additional rate: 45% income tax + 2% NI = 47%
Tips to Reduce Bonus Tax
🎯 Pension Salary Sacrifice
Sacrifice your bonus to pension to avoid both Income Tax and National Insurance. On a £10,000 bonus, a higher-rate taxpayer could save £4,800 in tax.
⚠️ Avoid the £100k Trap
If your total income is £100k-£125k, you face 60% effective tax. Consider pension contributions to stay under £100,000.
💝 Charity Donations
Payroll giving lets you donate pre-tax, reducing your taxable income.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is bonus taxed in the UK?
Bonuses are added to your salary and taxed at your marginal rate. If your bonus pushes you into a higher tax band, only the portion in that band is taxed at the higher rate. National Insurance is also deducted at 8% (or 2% above £50,270).
Why does my bonus seem more heavily taxed than my salary?
Your regular salary uses your Personal Allowance (tax-free portion), so the effective rate is lower. Your bonus is added on top, so it's taxed at your marginal rate with no allowance benefit. A £5,000 bonus for a higher-rate taxpayer could see 48% (40% tax + 8% NI) deducted.
Can I reduce tax on my bonus?
Yes! Salary sacrifice your bonus to pension - it's tax-free and NI-free. If you earn £100,000-£125,140, sacrificing your bonus avoids the 60% effective tax rate. You can also donate to charity via payroll giving for tax relief.
What is the 60% tax trap and how does it affect bonuses?
If your total income (salary + bonus) is between £100,000 and £125,140, you lose £1 of Personal Allowance for every £2 earned over £100,000. This creates an effective 60% marginal tax rate. Consider pension contributions to stay under £100,000.
Is my bonus taxed differently to regular salary?
No, bonuses are taxed the same as salary - they're added together and taxed at your marginal rate. However, because bonuses are lump sums, they may push you into a higher tax band temporarily, making them appear more heavily taxed.