The Tennessee bonus tax calculator at the top of this page uses the supplemental tax rate so employers can easily figure out the net pay (or take-home pay) your employee should take home for wage payments such as bonus pay.
Behind the numbers
Behind the numbers
Updated: July 12, 2025
Does Tennessee tax bonuses?
No. Tennessee does not have a wage-based state income tax, so bonuses are not subject to any state withholding.
How to calculate bonus tax in Tennessee
This one’s simple — only federal withholding applies to bonuses. If the bonus is paid separately, the flat federal supplemental rate of 22% applies.
What is the bonus tax rate in Tennessee?
22% federal only
How can employers in Tennessee pay bonuses to employees?
Bonuses in Tennessee can be paid via:
- Check
- Direct deposit
- Pay card
How do bonuses work in Tennessee?
Bonuses are reported on the employee’s Form W-2 and subject only to federal income tax and payroll taxes. There’s no state withholding requirement.
Why are bonuses taxed differently than standard pay?
They aren’t — at least not in Tennessee. The state doesn’t tax wages, and for federal purposes, bonuses may be subject to flat-rate withholding.
How much tax is taken out of a bonus in Tennessee?
Just federal tax. For example, if you give an employee a $7,000 bonus, $1,540 (22%) would be withheld for federal taxes — but nothing for Tennessee, since the state doesn’t tax wages.