Q. I am a Civil Service Retirement System federal employee who is considering taking the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority/Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay offered if I am approved. Are you taxed at a higher percentage rate on the $25,000 than you are taxed on your regular salary? According to the tax bracket table, my salary is taxed at 25 percent or 28 percent.
A. Buyout incentives are taxed as ordinary income, just like your wages.
