Bonus

A bonus is compensation paid to an employee or employees for achieving a particular sales goal or organizational objective. This is in addition to a commission or salary.

Bonus

A bonus is a financial reward granted to an employee or group of employees as recognition for achieving specific performance criteria, which might include meeting sales targets, completing projects on time, or exceeding organizational objectives. This extra compensation is awarded in addition to the regular salary or commission.

Examples

  1. Annual Performance Bonus: Companies often provide an annual bonus based on the overall performance of the employee and the company’s profitability.

  2. Holiday Bonus: Some companies give bonuses to employees during the holiday season as a gesture of appreciation for their contributions throughout the year.

  3. Signing Bonus: A one-time payment given to new hires to entice them to join the company.

  4. Project Completion Bonus: Employees working on specific projects might receive a bonus upon successful and timely completion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a bonus in a salary package?

A bonus is additional compensation given to employees on top of their regular salary or wages. It serves as a reward for good performance or achievement of specific targets.

Can all employees receive a bonus?

While not all employees may receive a bonus, companies typically establish criteria that detail who is eligible based on performance, position, and fulfillment of specific goals.

How is a bonus different from a commission?

A bonus is a supplementary payment for achieving predefined objectives or excellent performance, whereas a commission is a form of compensation primarily linked to sales transactions.

Is a bonus taxable?

Yes, bonuses are considered part of the employee’s income and are subject to federal and state taxes. Employers typically withhold taxes on bonus payments.

Can a bonus be paid in non-monetary forms?

Bonuses can sometimes be given in the form of gifts, extra time off, stock options, or other benefits besides monetary payment.

  • Commission: A fee or payment made to an employee based on achieving specific sales targets. This is usually a percentage of the sales they generate.
  • Salary: A fixed regular payment, typically expressed as an annual sum, paid to an employee by an employer.
  • Incentive: A form of compensation designed to motivate employees to achieve specific targets or improve performance.
  • Profit Sharing: A plan that gives employees a share in the profits of the company as a reward for their contributions.

Online Resources

  1. Investopedia: Bonus
  2. IRS - Employer’s Tax Guide: Bonuses

Suggested Books for Further Studies

  1. “Compensation” by George T. Milkovich and Jerry M. Newman
  2. “Strategic Compensation: A Human Resource Management Approach” by Joseph J. Martocchio
  3. “The Compensation Handbook” by Lance A. Berger and Dorothy R. Berger

Fundamentals of Bonus: Human Resources and Compensation Basics Quiz

### What is a bonus? - [ ] A fixed regular payment paid to an employee - [ ] A commission earned from sales - [x] Compensation paid to an employee for achieving a specific goal - [ ] An expense reimbursement > **Explanation:** A bonus is a form of compensation paid to an employee or a group of employees as a reward for achieving specific goals or exceptional performance, beyond their regular salary or commission. ### When is a signing bonus typically awarded? - [x] At the time of hiring - [ ] After the completion of a project - [ ] During an employee’s annual review - [ ] At the end of the fiscal year > **Explanation:** A signing bonus is a one-time payment awarded to new hires as an incentive for joining the company. ### Are bonuses subject to federal and state taxes? - [x] Yes - [ ] No > **Explanation:** Bonuses are considered part of an employee’s taxable income and therefore are subject to federal and state taxes. ### What primarily distinguishes a bonus from a commission? - [ ] The frequency of payment - [x] The basis of the reward - [ ] The amount paid - [ ] The tax implications > **Explanation:** A bonus is a supplementary payment for achieving predefined objectives or excellent performance, whereas a commission is directly linked to sales transactions. ### Can bonuses be granted in non-monetary forms? - [x] Yes - [ ] No > **Explanation:** Bonuses can often be given in non-monetary forms such as stock options, gifts, or extra time off. ### Profit sharing is a form of what? - [ ] Salary - [ ] Commission - [x] Incentive - [ ] Reimbursement > **Explanation:** Profit sharing is an incentive provided to employees where they receive a share in the company’s profits as a reward for their contributions. ### Which type of bonus is common during the holiday season? - [x] Holiday bonus - [ ] Signing bonus - [ ] Annual bonus - [ ] Project completion bonus > **Explanation:** A holiday bonus is typically given during the holiday season as a gesture of appreciation to employees. ### What is the main purpose of an incentive bonus? - [ ] To replace regular pay - [ ] To cover additional work-related expenses - [x] To motivate employees to achieve specific goals - [ ] To reduce employee taxes > **Explanation:** An incentive bonus is designed to motivate employees to achieve specific targets or enhance performance. ### In which form can employees most commonly receive bonuses? - [x] Financial compensation - [ ] Additional workload - [ ] Decreased salary - [ ] Increased taxes > **Explanation:** The most common form of receiving bonuses is through financial compensation, though non-monetary rewards are also given. ### What is an important factor for eligibility to receive a bonus? - [ ] The employee’s age - [ ] The length of employment - [x] The achievement of predefined goals - [ ] The time of year > **Explanation:** Eligibility for receiving a bonus typically depends on the achievement of predefined goals set by the company.

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Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Accounting Terms Lexicon

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