Why did I get the wrong bonus payout?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 14:37:22 -0400

So the deal is I re-enlisted for 4 years (48 months). The MOS I reclassed to qualified me for a tier 9 SRB.

Under the MILPER message on my contract, 18-156, I should receive $38,700 before taxes. Roughly $29,000 after taxes. This is for re-enlisting as a specialist for 68C for 48 months.

I received $24,300. My platoon SGT spoke with retention, and their reasoning is that 48 months I re-enlisted for subtracts time I had remaining, putting me into the 36-47 month SRB category. Even if that’s the case, 36-47 months qualifies for $31,200. Roughly 23,400 after taxes. Again, I received $24,300.

I’m just wondering if anyone knows why I got paid the amount I did? E4 re-enlisted for 68C for 48 months. MILPER 18-156

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2020 2:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 14:51:54 -0400

You miscalculated your taxes. The federal taxation rate is 22% plus any taxes your state takes.
You are paid for time added to your contract, not the length of your reenlistment. Federal law prohibits being paid a bonus twice for the same amount of time. Bonus is calculated from your old ETS to your new one.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 17 at 2020 3:20 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 15:20:28 -0400

You should talk to a tax expert to see if the bonus can be spread over a couple years for tax purposes.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2020 3:24 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 15:24:17 -0400

Yes pretty much same thing happened to me back in my 68C days. Would have waited to re-enlist if i would have known.

Response by SGT Justin Brothen made Jul 17 at 2020 6:16 PM

SGT Justin Brothen — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 18:16:50 -0400

Oh those damn taxes, I know my 30 grand wasn't near 30 grand. Did I guess luck out with deployment payments no taxes that way for a few