See how much tax your employer takes out of a bonus, what you keep, and how much of it comes back at tax time.
Paid with a fortnightly pay in 2026–27, tax-free threshold claimed, no study loan. Tax shown is what the employer withholds.
| Salary | $2,000 bonus | $5,000 bonus | $10,000 bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $1,376 ($624 tax) | $3,388 ($1,612 tax) | $6,776 ($3,224 tax) |
| $90,000 | $1,376 ($624 tax) | $3,388 ($1,612 tax) | $6,776 ($3,224 tax) |
| $120,000 | $1,376 ($624 tax) | $3,388 ($1,612 tax) | $6,828 ($3,172 tax) |
| $160,000 | $1,272 ($728 tax) | $3,076 ($1,924 tax) | $6,152 ($3,848 tax) |
| $200,000 | $1,064 ($936 tax) | $2,660 ($2,340 tax) | $5,300 ($4,700 tax) |
Usually about your marginal rate plus Medicare, because the bonus is taxed as if it were spread across the year's pays. On a $90,000 salary paid fortnightly, $1,612 is withheld from a $5,000 bonus. It's capped at 47%.
Some payroll systems simply add the bonus to that pay's earnings, which withholds tax as if you earned that much every pay. The ATO's Schedule 5 method spreads it over the year instead. Either way, the extra comes back when you lodge your return.
No. A bonus is ordinary income, taxed at the same rates as your salary. It can push part of your income into a higher bracket, but only the amount above the threshold is taxed at the higher rate.
Often yes. The 12% super guarantee applies to bonuses paid for your ordinary hours of work, such as performance bonuses. It usually doesn't apply to bonuses for overtime.
Yes, if you arrange it with your employer before you become entitled to the bonus. It's taxed at 15% in the fund instead of your marginal rate, within the concessional contributions cap.
Sources: ATO Schedule 5 – Tax table for back payments, commissions, bonuses and similar payments, Schedule 1 and Schedule 8. General information, not tax advice.