California Paycheck Calculator
California has a progressive income tax from 1% to 12.3%, plus a 1% surtax on taxable income over $1 million (top rate 13.3% — the highest in the US).
California taxes your pay more than almost any other state. Enter your gross pay above and this calculator applies the 2026 California brackets from the Franchise Tax Board (FTB), along with 2026 federal tax, Social Security (6.2% up to $184,500) and Medicare (1.45%). The result is your estimated take-home pay per paycheck, per month and per year.
Your estimated take-home pay per paycheck
Monthly: $0.00 · Annual: $0.00
| Deduction | Per paycheck |
|---|---|
| Gross pay | $0.00 |
| Federal income tax | $0.00 |
| State tax | $0.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | $0.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | $0.00 |
| Pre-tax deductions (401k + health) | $0.00 |
| Total deductions | $0.00 |
| Take-home pay | $0.00 |
California income tax brackets 2026 (single filer)
| Rate | Taxable income (single filer, 2026) |
|---|---|
| 1% | $0 – $11,456 |
| 2% | $11,457 – $27,157 |
| 4% | $27,158 – $42,861 |
| 6% | $42,862 – $59,498 |
| 8% | $59,499 – $75,197 |
| 9.3% | $75,198 – $384,109 |
| 10.3% | $384,110 – $460,927 |
| 11.3% | $460,928 – $768,213 |
| 12.3% | $768,214 – $1,000,000 |
| 13.3% | Over $1,000,000 (includes 1% surtax) |
Married filing jointly brackets are roughly double the single thresholds. Rates apply to taxable income (after the state standard deduction or exemption). Local income taxes — New York City tax, Philadelphia wage tax, Ohio city taxes — are not included.
How much will I take home in California?
It depends on your salary, pay frequency and filing status. Use the calculator above with your own numbers. As a rule of thumb, California has california has a progressive income tax from 1% to 12.3%, plus a 1% surtax on taxable income over $1 million (top rate 13.3% — the highest in the us). — compare it with a no-tax state like Texas or Florida using the links below.
Frequently asked questions
What is the California income tax rate in 2026?
California uses nine progressive brackets from 1% to 12.3%, plus a 1% Behavioral Health Services Tax on taxable income over $1 million, for a top rate of 13.3%. Your marginal rate is not your effective rate — only the income inside each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate.
What is the California standard deduction for 2026?
This calculator uses a $5,540 standard deduction for single filers and $11,080 for married filing jointly, the FTB figures published for the 2025/2026 schedule. If you itemize, your actual state tax may differ.
Does California tax 401(k) contributions?
401(k) contributions reduce your federal taxable income and your California taxable income in this estimate. Check your pay stub — California generally follows federal treatment for traditional 401(k) deferrals.
Is there a California city income tax?
No. California has no city or county income tax. The state rate above is your full state income tax burden, before federal tax and FICA.