Is a bonus considered a gift and are you taxed as such?

A bonus from your employer is not a gift and is strictly income. It is in no way a gift and cannot be considered as such. It is income from your employment and is reported as wages on your tax return. The employer is required to pay half of the social security and medicare taxes and to deduct the other half from your bonus check. The bonus is the same as any other income and must be treated as such.