<prompt> Human: This calendar year so far I have made 48k. I will probably make 55k by the end of the year. I work hourly so week to week my pay varies based on how many hours I put in. It could be 25 hours or it could be 45 hours. My net pay is around 33.5k from 48k. I am single and have no dependents. I am expecting to receive a check in March 2016 that will go towards the 2015 fiscal year from anywhere between 35k and 65k depending on company profits. My gross pay for 2015 will be between 90k and 120k. My biggest question is will I be better off taking a bonus check for the large amount or just take it as a regular check when its time? How will that large amount affect my taxes? Why does it seem that 48k to 33.5k net is a huge percentage they are taking out given the current gross pay? Assistant: My biggest question is will I be better off taking a bonus check for the large amount or just take it as a regular check when its time? How will that large amount affect my taxes? Your bonuses are not taxed any different than your normal income, but may be withheld differently. I am expecting to receive a check in March 2016 that will go towards the 2015 fiscal year from anywhere between 35k and 65k depending on company profits. My gross pay for 2015 will be between 90k and 120k.Its highly unlikely that this will go on your 2015 W-2 if its being paid in March 2016.Human: Why cant it go on the 2015 W-2? Dont you have until April 1st to submit your taxes?  <response>: You do, but the money has to be earned before January 1. The reason why there is a time gap is to allow for people to finalize accounting. Money earned in April is for the next year, not the last. 