California Income Tax Calculator
California uses a progressive state income tax with 10 rates, up to a top rate of 13.3%.
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1/5 addedCalifornia state tax brackets
| Taxable income | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $11,079 | 1% |
| $11,079 – $26,264 | 2% |
| $26,264 – $41,452 | 4% |
| $41,452 – $57,542 | 6% |
| $57,542 – $72,724 | 8% |
| $72,724 – $371,479 | 9.3% |
| $371,479 – $445,771 | 10.3% |
| $445,771 – $742,953 | 11.3% |
| $742,953 – $1,000,000 | 12.3% |
| $1,000,000 – ∞ | 13.3% |
Take-home pay in California at different incomes
2026 estimates for a single filer with wage income: federal income tax, California income tax, and Social Security and Medicare (FICA). Self-employment tax, local taxes and state payroll taxes are not included.
| Gross salary | Federal tax | California tax | FICA | Total rate | Take-home / year | Take-home / month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $890 | $278 | $1,913 | 12.3% | $21,919 | $1,827 |
| $50,000 | $3,820 | $1,202 | $3,825 | 17.7% | $41,153 | $3,429 |
| $100,000 | $13,170 | $5,223 | $7,650 | 26.0% | $73,957 | $6,163 |
| $200,000 | $36,734 | $14,523 | $14,339 | 32.8% | $134,404 | $11,200 |
How California taxes your income
California uses 10 progressive rates from 1% to 13.3%. Only the slice of income inside each band is taxed at that band's rate, so your effective state rate is lower than the top rate.
We subtract an estimated $5,540 (the state standard deduction plus any dollar-amount personal exemption) from your income before applying the California brackets.
Not modelled: personal tax credits, most income-based phase-outs, deductibility of federal tax where a state allows it, local income taxes (for example city or county taxes), and state payroll taxes such as disability or family-leave contributions.
Not modelled: personal exemption credit ($153).
Compare every state in state income tax rates.
California income tax FAQ
What is the California state income tax rate for 2026?+
California has a progressive state income tax for 2026, with rates rising to 13.3% at the top. See the bracket table above for each band.
How much tax would I pay on $50,000 in California?+
For a single filer earning $50,000 in wages, our estimate is $3,820 federal income tax, $1,202 California income tax and $3,825 Social Security and Medicare tax, a combined 17.7%, leaving about $41,153 a year ($3,429 a month).
Does California have a state income tax?+
Yes. California taxes wage income at progressive rates, in addition to federal income tax and Social Security and Medicare tax.
Does this calculator include Social Security and Medicare tax?+
The take-home table does: 6.2% Social Security on wages up to $184,500 plus 1.45% Medicare, and an extra 0.9% Medicare above $200,000. The interactive calculator above shows income tax only. Self-employment tax is not included.
Does California have local income taxes?+
Our estimate covers state income tax only. Some places charge extra local income tax (city, county or school district). Check California's revenue department for the local taxes that apply where you live or work.
How accurate is this California estimate?+
It is a planning estimate for a single filer. State brackets come from the Tax Foundation's 2026 table (published February 2026), updated for later rate changes we could confirm, and we do not model credits or most phase-outs. Confirm with the California revenue department before filing.