California Paycheck Calculator

California state income tax — what you need to know

California has one of the most progressive state tax structures. Top marginal rate 12.3% (13.3% incl. mental health services tax on > $1M).

California uses progressive brackets — the more you earn, the higher your marginal rate climbs. The top rate is 12.3% on single-filer income above the top bracket threshold. MFJ brackets are 2× the single thresholds.

California single-filer brackets (2026)

• $0 – $10,412: 1%
• $10,412 – $24,684: 2%
• $24,684 – $38,959: 4%
• $38,959 – $54,081: 6%
• $54,081 – $68,350: 8%
• $68,350 – $349,137: 9.3%
• $349,137 – $418,961: 10.3%
• $418,961 – $698,271: 11.3%
• above $698,271: 12.3%

How we compute your California take-home

1. Start with your annual gross wage income.
2. Subtract pre-tax deductions (401(k), HSA, pre-tax insurance premiums).
3. Apply federal income tax using the 2026 projected IRS brackets + standard deduction.
4. Apply FICA: 6.2% Social Security up to $184,500 wage base, 1.45% Medicare on all wages plus 0.9% additional Medicare above the filing-status threshold.
5. Apply California state tax per the rules above.
6. Divide by your pay frequency (weekly / bi-weekly / semi-monthly / monthly) for per-paycheck take-home.

For estimation only — state tax has nuances (local city taxes, tax credits, itemized deductions) we don't model. Always confirm with a CPA or your state's revenue department for filing.