25% federal (IRS rules), then SS and Medicare, state (if applicable), ALPA (2% for easy math), and 401k (if so selected). That's a simple way for anyone to run the numbers. The retentions don't reference W-2 selections. If you pay above a 25% federal, you would owe (in theory), and if under, it's a return (once again in theory). Either check with your tax advisor (if applicable) or use the government site to determine gross earnings with bonus for your W-2 calculations. Hopefully, it's a mute point with the stated negotiations in payrates for all who are currently on payroll. For those new or newly joining, alpa has sent an email spelling this out a few times now. If you figure 50% net, you will either hit the mark or be happily surprised. Don't spend it all in one place.