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Signing bonuses

Taxable

Is A signing bonus Taxable?

Short answer: Yes: signing and holiday bonuses are wages, often withheld at a flat 22% federal rate.

Repaying a bonus you had to return can be deductible in some cases.

Records to keep: Keep receipts, statements (1098, 1098-T, 1099, W-2G), and a note of what each cost was for. Compare itemizing to the 2026 standard deduction before you claim.