Larry Fajardo3722285<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Is an enlistment bonus worth it? How much do I actually get ? <br />My state NG has 10 mos jobs available all with 20k enlistment bonus. I was going to sign a reserve contract this week but the multiple job opportunities & enlistment bonus is drawing me in. <br />My State reserve only offers one job & no bonus. <br /><br />Thanks again for the help.How much of a 20k enlistment bonus will I actually see?2018-06-18T14:52:03-04:00Larry Fajardo3722285<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Is an enlistment bonus worth it? How much do I actually get ? <br />My state NG has 10 mos jobs available all with 20k enlistment bonus. I was going to sign a reserve contract this week but the multiple job opportunities & enlistment bonus is drawing me in. <br />My State reserve only offers one job & no bonus. <br /><br />Thanks again for the help.How much of a 20k enlistment bonus will I actually see?2018-06-18T14:52:03-04:002018-06-18T14:52:03-04:00LTC Private RallyPoint Member3722375<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You will likely see a hit by the IRS for about 40% in Taxes, plus an additional amount for State/local taxes based on where you live. You'll likely get some back when you file next year.<br /><br />I'd estimate you'll probably see somewhere from $12-14K after your Basic and AIT is complete. I'd opt for the National Guard, if no reserve bonus is available.<br /><br />Just a clarification- the Army Reserve doesn't really have a state. The Army Reserve is a Federal Reserve force of the US Army, with about 195K in total forces vs. 330K+ for the National Guard (which is state by state & territories). Army Reserve Soldiers are stationed in all 50 States and most territories & even overseas. Just FYSA.Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2018 3:31 PM2018-06-18T15:31:23-04:002018-06-18T15:31:23-04:00SGT Joseph Gunderson3722392<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I received a 20k bonus when I enlisted. I received 10k up front and 3k every year after that for three years. Taxes removed, I received about 7k initially and right about 3k each year; I was deployed for two of those years so I got the full portion those two times.Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jun 18 at 2018 3:37 PM2018-06-18T15:37:49-04:002018-06-18T15:37:49-04:00SPC Toby Bradford3722483<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I think the extra money is worth it if you will be happy with that particular mos. I got a bonus in 2009 and certainly helped my family out.Response by SPC Toby Bradford made Jun 18 at 2018 4:12 PM2018-06-18T16:12:54-04:002018-06-18T16:12:54-04:00SGM Bill Frazer3724553<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Damn- you know the IRS will get up to 20% before it hits your hands, and maybe the State as well. It is your call- serve or cash.Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 19 at 2018 11:35 AM2018-06-19T11:35:32-04:002018-06-19T11:35:32-04:00SSgt Private RallyPoint Member4090601<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>FICA TAX on a bonus is 33% then depending on if your state has an additional income tax on bonuses you may end up loosing 35-38% for taxes. you will probably see approximately 12,500-13,000 total.Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2018 11:11 PM2018-10-31T23:11:48-04:002018-10-31T23:11:48-04:002018-06-18T14:52:03-04:00