California take-home pay calculator (2026)

See your 2026 paycheck in California after federal tax, Social Security, Medicare, California state tax and 401(k) contributions.

Ad slot 1 (responsive display)

How California taxes your paycheck

California uses graduated brackets with 10 rates from 1% to 13.3%. For single filers the top rate starts above $1,000,000. The standard deduction is $5,540 for single filers and $11,080 for married couples filing jointly. California also has a state payroll charge (CA State Disability Insurance, 1.3%). Small personal credits exist and are included where they apply.

California income tax brackets (2026)

Rate	Single: income over	Married filing jointly: income over
1%	$0	$0
2%	$11,079	$22,158
4%	$26,264	$52,528
6%	$41,452	$82,904
8%	$57,542	$115,084
9.3%	$72,724	$145,448
10.3%	$371,479	$742,958
11.3%	$445,771	$891,542
12.3%	$742,953	$1,000,000
13.3%	$1,000,000	$1,485,906

Income here means taxable income after deductions and exemptions.

Federal taxes and FICA

Your paycheck also pays federal income tax from the 2026 brackets, Social Security tax of 6.2% on wages up to $184,500, and Medicare tax of 1.45% on all wages, plus 0.9% on wages above $200,000 for single filers.

What this estimate leaves out

It uses 2026 federal rules and each state’s published rates, brackets and standard deductions. Head of household is treated like single for state tax. It does not include every state credit, deduction or phase-out, so your real withholding can differ. Local income taxes, such as city or county taxes, are included only if you enter a rate. Use your pay stub, your state revenue department, or a tax professional for exact figures.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my California paycheck look different from this estimate?

Employers use withholding tables, and your W-4, health insurance premiums, local taxes and benefits all change the real number.

Is this the same as the general take-home pay calculator?

It uses the same federal calculation but applies California’s actual state rules instead of a flat percentage you enter yourself.

See all states | General take-home pay calculator

Ad slot 2 (in-content)