Hello,
Im trying to figure out what to do before the end of the year.
I got a new job, with a large salary and sign on.
I will start in mid 2026, salary will be about 500-600k. Sign on is 480k.
So for 2025, salary was like 75k, from Jan to June, made about 45-55K after taxes. Also took some of the sign, like 40K.
So my question is, how much of the sign on should I take before end of the year?
2025 salary will be lime 110-120K. But next yr will obviously much more. Should I take like half, or all of it, and pay taxes in April? Or take it all next yr in 2026, which would make salary like 600-700K?
What makes more sense, tax wise?
Thank you
Posted by Original-Possible650
3 Comments
taking more of the sign-on this year might spread the tax burden better. consult a tax advisor for precise calculations.
Married or single? Other income?
Assuming single and no other income…
If you make $300,000 in salary (since you are starting mid year), that will put you in the 35% tax bracket, and some of the bonus will be in the 37% bracket.
I suggest you take about $150,000 of the bonus this year, to hit a total income of about $265,000. That will fully utilize the lower brackets this year and also keep you out of the 37% bracket next year.