<prompt> Human: In 2015, I received an 8400 dollar bonus which put 4589 in my pocket. The government basically took about 45. This year my bonus is 9600. What can I do to maximize the amount of money that stays in my pocket? I was thinking of raising my 401k contribution to something like 20 or 25 so I put a lump sum into my 401k. Right now Im at 7. Is there a better idea?  <response>: The government didnt take 45 percent. It just got withheld. Youll get it back. The government will only take as much as your tax bracket. 