Tax on a $3,000 Bonus in Australia (2025-26)
A $3,000 bonus is not taxed at a special rate in Australia. The actual tax depends on your annual salary, but the payslip withholding can look much higher because the employer annualises the bonus pay run.
Quick answer: a $3,000 bonus is added to your annual income and taxed at your marginal rate. What looks like "bonus tax" is usually higher PAYG withholding, not a separate tax rate.
Worked examples for a $3,000 bonus
| Base salary | Actual tax on bonus | PAYG withholding | Over-withholding | Effective bonus tax rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $70,000 salary | $960 | $995 | $35 | 32.0% |
| $100,000 salary | $960 | $1,076 | $116 | 32.0% |
| $150,000 salary | $1,170 | $1,287 | $117 | 39.0% |
What this bonus example means
On the bonus pay run, withholding can be much higher than the actual extra tax created by the bonus itself. The gap usually comes back at tax time if too much was withheld.
This example uses a fortnightly pay cycle for comparison. If your employer pays weekly or monthly, the withholding shape can change, but the main lesson is the same: withholding and actual tax are not identical.
What to know about bonuses in this range
Bonuses under $5,000 are common for performance payments, Christmas bonuses, and sign-on incentives. At this level, the over-withholding effect is modest — the gap between what your employer withholds and the actual tax on the bonus is typically a few hundred dollars. You will usually get this back at tax time as part of your refund. Salary sacrificing a small bonus into super is straightforward but may not be worth the paperwork for very small amounts.
Over-withholding is small but still happens
On a $3,000 bonus, your employer might withhold $900-$1,200 depending on your salary, but the actual extra tax may only be $600-$1,000. The difference comes back when you lodge your tax return. Check your payment summary to confirm the withholding was correct.
Salary sacrifice if your employer allows it
If your employer offers salary sacrifice on bonuses, directing even a small bonus into super saves tax at your marginal rate (up to 47%) while paying only 15% contributions tax inside super. But check whether the sacrifice must be arranged before the bonus is earned — most employers require this. Use calculator →
Related bonus tax examples
Compare nearby worked examples: $5,000 bonus, $10,000 bonus, $20,000 bonus, and $50,000 bonus.
Need your own numbers? Use the Bonus Tax Calculator and compare it with the Salary Sacrifice Calculator if you are considering super contributions.
Related tools
Full income tax breakdown
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Take-home pay calculator
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