Paycheck taxes in California
California has a progressive state income tax with rates from about 1% to 13.3% depending on income, on top of federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare. California employees also pay a 1.3% State Disability Insurance contribution on all wages, which the calculator includes.
Use the calculator above to see your California take-home pay for any salary or hourly wage. It applies 2026 federal brackets, the standard deduction, Social Security (6.2% up to the $184,500 wage base), and Medicare (1.45%), plus California state income tax.
2026 California tax brackets (single filer)
| Taxable income | Rate |
|---|
| Up to $11,079 | 1% |
| $11,079 to $26,264 | 2% |
| $26,264 to $41,452 | 4% |
| $41,452 to $57,542 | 6% |
| $57,542 to $72,724 | 8% |
| $72,724 to $371,479 | 9.3% |
| $371,479 to $445,771 | 10.3% |
| $445,771 to $742,953 | 11.3% |
| $742,953 to $1,000,000 | 12.3% |
| Over $1,000,000 | 13.3% |
The calculator doubles these thresholds for married filing jointly, a close approximation of California's married schedule. California's own standard deduction ($5,540 single) is applied first.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate take-home pay in California?
Enter your salary or hourly wage above with California selected. The calculator subtracts 2026 federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and California state income tax to show your per-paycheck and annual take-home pay.
What is the California state income tax rate?
California uses progressive brackets ranging from roughly 1% to 13.3%. The calculator applies the bracket schedule along with 2026 federal brackets, Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%).
Is this California paycheck calculator accurate?
It provides close estimates using 2026 federal brackets and current California tax rules, but excludes local taxes, most state-specific credits, and your W-4 details. California employees also pay a 1.3% State Disability Insurance contribution on all wages, which the calculator includes. It is not tax advice. Confirm important figures with a tax professional.
Sources: 2026 federal figures from IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 and the Social Security Administration; California rates from the California Franchise Tax Board. Full methodology and figures on the guide.
Estimates only. Not tax, legal, or financial advice. See About for the full disclaimer, or the all-states paycheck calculator.