Basic Info
Deductions
Insurance Premiums
Your California Paycheck Results
Calculating your paycheck…
Take-Home Pay:
$0.00
Per Pay Period:
$0.00
Tax Breakdown
Federal Income Tax:
$0.00
State Income Tax (CA):
$0.00
Social Security:
$0.00
Medicare:
$0.00
Additional Medicare:
$0.00
Total Tax:
$0.00
Deduction Breakdown
401(k) Contribution:
$0.00
Traditional IRA:
$0.00
HSA Contribution:
$0.00
FSA Contribution:
$0.00
Health Insurance:
$0.00
Dental Insurance:
$0.00
Vision Insurance:
$0.00
Other Deductions:
$0.00
Total Deductions:
$0.00
Gross Annual Income:
$0.00
Effective Tax Rate:
0.00%
California State Income Tax Information
California uses a progressive income tax system with one of the highest state tax rates in the country. Tax rates and brackets vary based on your filing status and income level.
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $10,099 | 1.00% |
| $10,100 – $23,942 | 2.00% |
| $23,943 – $37,788 | 4.00% |
| $37,789 – $52,455 | 6.00% |
| $52,456 – $66,295 | 8.00% |
| $66,296 – $338,639 | 9.30% |
| $338,640 – $406,364 | 10.30% |
| $406,365 – $677,275 | 11.30% |
| $677,276 and above | 12.30% |
Standard Deduction: $5,202 (Single), $10,404 (Married Filing Jointly)
Personal Exemption Credit: $129 per filer
Federal Income Tax
Federal tax applies to all U.S. residents and is calculated based on progressive tax brackets ranging from 10% to 37%. These are determined by filing status and income level according to IRS rules.
FICA Taxes
| Component | Rate | Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | 6.2% | Up to $168,600 |
| Medicare | 1.45% | No Limit |
| Additional Medicare | 0.9% | Above $200,000 (Single) / $250,000 (Married) |
Pre-Tax Deductions
These reduce your taxable income and can include:
- Employer-sponsored health and dental insurance premiums
- 401(k), 403(b), and other retirement contributions
- Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Transit and commuter benefits
California–Specific Deductions and Credits
| Credit or Deduction | Details |
|---|---|
| California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) | For low-income workers with earnings up to $30,000 |
| Young Child Tax Credit | Up to $1,117 for those who qualify for CalEITC and have a child under 6 |
| Renter’s Credit | $60 (Single), $120 (Joint) for low-income renters |
| Student Loan Interest Deduction | Conforms with federal tax rules |
| 529 Plan Contribution | Tax-deferred growth, but no deduction for contributions |
Interesting Facts About California Taxes
- California has the highest top state income tax rate in the U.S. at 12.3% (excluding mental health surcharge).
- High earners may also pay a 1% Mental Health Services Tax on income above $1 million.
- California does not conform to all federal deductions, such as Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
- The state has high sales and property taxes in addition to income tax.
- California offers valuable credits for low-income families and working parents.
FAQs – California Paycheck Tax
- 1. Does California tax Social Security benefits?
- No, California does not tax Social Security income.
- 2. Is there a separate local income tax in California?
- No, California does not impose local income taxes, but high state tax rates apply.
- 3. Do I have to pay state tax on a 401(k) contribution?
- Yes, California does not offer a state tax deduction for traditional 401(k) contributions.
- 4. Is unemployment income taxable in California?
- Yes, unemployment benefits are fully taxable by California and the IRS.
- 5. Can I deduct HSA contributions on my California return?
- No, California does not conform to the federal HSA tax deduction rules.