How California taxes your income
California has state income tax rates from 1% to 13.3% for 2026. The California income tax calculator above shows federal and state income tax separately, with your effective and marginal rates.
- Standard deduction: $5,540 (single) or $11,080 (married filing jointly).
- Personal credit (subtracted from tax): $153 (single) or $306 (married filing jointly).
- Pre-tax 401(k) contributions reduce your California taxable wages.
- California SDI (disability insurance): 1.3% on all wages.
California tax brackets for 2026
| Taxable income over | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 | 1% |
| $11,079 | 2% |
| $26,264 | 4% |
| $41,452 | 6% |
| $57,542 | 8% |
| $72,724 | 9.3% |
| $371,479 | 10.3% |
| $445,771 | 11.3% |
| $742,953 | 12.3% |
| $1,000,000 | 13.3% |
| Taxable income over | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 | 1% |
| $22,158 | 2% |
| $52,528 | 4% |
| $82,904 | 6% |
| $115,084 | 8% |
| $145,448 | 9.3% |
| $742,958 | 10.3% |
| $891,542 | 11.3% |
| $1,000,000 | 12.3% |
| $1,485,906 | 13.3% |
Notes about California rules
California 2026 inflation indexing was not yet published when this data was sourced, so 2025 bracket widths and deduction amounts are used. The personal exemption credit phases out above $252,203 (single) and $504,411 (joint), so results are not shown above those incomes.
What this calculator includes
It uses 2026 federal income tax brackets for single filers and married couples filing jointly, Social Security and Medicare tax, and the California rules above. It does not include dependents, tax credits other than those listed, itemized deductions, self-employment tax, or head of household filing.
Rates, brackets and deductions as published for tax year 2026 (state data sourced February 2026).
Frequently asked questions
What are the state income tax rates in California?
California uses graduated rates from 1% to 13.3% for 2026. Each rate applies only to the slice of taxable income inside its bracket. The full bracket table is on this page.
What deductions does California allow in this calculator?
California has a standard deduction of $5,540 (single) or $11,080 (married filing jointly), a personal credit of $153 (single) or $306 (married filing jointly). These are the only California deductions and credits the calculator uses. Itemized deductions and dependents are not included.
Do 401(k) contributions lower my California income tax?
Yes. Pre-tax 401(k) contributions are taken out of your California taxable wages as well as your federal taxable wages. They do not reduce Social Security or Medicare tax.
Which federal taxes apply to my pay in California?
Federal income tax uses 2026 brackets from 10% to 37% after the $16,100 standard deduction for single filers. Social Security is 6.2% on wages up to $184,500 and Medicare is 1.45% on all wages, with 0.9% extra above $200,000 ($250,000 for joint filers).
Does this calculator include local taxes?
No. City, county and school-district income or payroll taxes are not included. If your area charges one, your real take-home pay will be a little lower.
Are Social Security and Medicare included?
No. This page shows income tax only. Use the California salary calculator to see take-home pay after Social Security and Medicare as well.
How current is the California data?
Rates, brackets and deductions as published for tax year 2026 (state data sourced February 2026). Tax laws change, so confirm important numbers with the official sources listed below.
Official and data sources
- California – state tax agency
- IRS – Federal income tax rates and brackets
- Social Security Administration – Contribution and benefit base
- Tax Foundation – State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2026
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Also for California: California Salary Calculator · California Paycheck Calculator
Disclaimer: results are estimates for information only. They are not tax, legal or financial advice.