Where on earth did I say I do not consider 401k contributions income? Of course it is income...but it is the LEAST liquid asset once it is in there without penalty. I merely said what I took home. I threw about 6% of the bonus into the 401k and so I will TAKE HOME in liquid cash $12k a year.

To those who are still arguing about the tax rate, it is 25% for federal withholding...my pay stub shows this to be true. Other deductions come out though included state tax (if applicable), social security, and I think medicare. When you include a possible 401k contribution its about 65% take home...not 65% withheld.

Don't know how RAH is paying out their bonuses to new hires but I would assume it would be about the same percentage plus or minus a bit as take home liquid cash.