California Paycheck Calculator
Estimate your 2026 take-home pay in California after federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and California state income tax.
2025 rates (2026 pending). Showing California's official 2025 tax figures — the state has not published 2026 brackets yet and this page will update when 2026 figures are released.
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How your federal tax is calculated, bracket by bracket
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How California paychecks are taxed in 2026
California taxes income on a graduated state schedule for 2026, applied after the state deduction for your filing status. This calculator applies that on top of federal withholding and Social Security / Medicare to estimate your California take-home pay.
California uses a graduated income tax with 9 brackets for 2026, with marginal rates ranging from 1% to a top rate of 12.3% (which applies to single-filer taxable income above $742,953). For 2026, California's state standard deduction is $5,540 for single filers and $11,080 for married couples filing jointly. As a worked example, a single filer earning $60,000 pays about $1,802 in California income tax (roughly 3.0% of gross) before federal tax and FICA.
Adjust your filing status, pay frequency, and gross wage above to update the breakdown.
What this estimate doesn't include: Showing 2025 California rates — the FTB has not published 2026 brackets yet; will update when released. California directs 2026 filers to use the 2025 tax tables. State tax only. The California 1% Behavioral Health Services Tax (formerly Mental Health Services Act) surcharge on taxable income over $1,000,000 — which raises the top effective rate to 13.3% — is NOT modeled here. California's personal exemption credits, dependent credits, and itemized deductions are not modeled.
Estimates for general guidance only — not tax advice. This calculator approximates withholding using 2026 federal brackets, the standard deduction, and FICA. Simple mode covers wages, filing status and state tax; switch to Advanced to factor in pre-tax deductions (401(k), HSA/FSA, health premiums), dependent/W-4 credits, extra withholding and post-tax deductions. It still does not model local (city/county) taxes or itemized deductions. Verify with a tax professional or the IRS.