California Tax Calculator - Calculate CA State Taxes
Free California tax calculator to estimate your state and federal income taxes with accurate 2025 CA tax brackets and rates
California Tax Calculator
Tax Summary
What is a California Tax Calculator?
A California Tax Calculator is a free financial tool that estimates your total tax liability including California state income tax, federal income tax, and FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare). It helps California residents understand their tax burden and take-home pay based on 2025 tax rates.
This calculator is essential for:
- California Residents - Estimate total state and federal tax liability
- Job Relocation - Compare California taxes to other states before moving
- Tax Planning - Plan deductions and withholdings to optimize cash flow
- Salary Negotiation - Understand net take-home pay when evaluating offers
- Budget Planning - Calculate actual disposable income after all taxes
To compare California taxes with New York's progressive system, check out our New York Tax Calculator to see how NY state and NYC local taxes compare to California's rates.
For understanding tax savings in zero-income-tax states, explore our Texas Tax Calculator to see how much you could save by relocating to a no-income-tax state like Texas.
To analyze tax differences across multiple states side-by-side, use our State Tax Comparison Calculator to compare California against other states when planning relocation.
For calculating your actual take-home pay after all withholdings, try our Take-Home Paycheck Calculator to determine net income after federal, state, and FICA taxes.
To see California's ranking among all US states, check our Income Tax Comparison by State to view how California's 13.3% top rate compares to all 50 states.
How the Calculator Works
The calculation uses 2025 California and federal tax brackets:
Step 1: Calculate Taxable Income
Taxable Income = Annual Income - Standard Deduction - Additional Deductions
Step 2: Calculate Federal Tax (Progressive Brackets)
10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, 37%
Step 3: Calculate California State Tax (9 Brackets)
1%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 9.3%, 10.3%, 11.3%, 12.3% (+1% over $1M)
Step 4: Calculate FICA Taxes
Social Security = min(Income, $168,600) × 6.2%
Medicare = Income × 1.45% (+ 0.9% if >$200k)
Final: Total Tax and Net Income
Net Income = Gross Income - All Taxes
Key California Tax Concepts
Progressive Tax System
California uses a progressive tax system with 9 brackets from 1% to 13.3%, meaning higher income is taxed at higher rates.
Mental Health Tax
Taxpayers with income over $1 million pay an additional 1% mental health services tax on all income, bringing top rate to 13.3%.
Standard Deduction
California standard deduction for 2025: $5,540 (single) or $11,080 (married filing jointly/head of household).
No Local Income Tax
California does not have city or local income taxes, unlike New York City. Only state and federal taxes apply.
Marginal vs Effective Rate
Your marginal rate is the tax on your next dollar earned. Effective rate is your total tax divided by income.
FICA Taxes
Federal payroll taxes: 6.2% Social Security (up to $168,600 cap) and 1.45% Medicare (no cap, +0.9% over $200k).
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Annual Income
Input your gross annual income before any deductions (e.g., $75,000)
Select Filing Status
Choose single, married filing jointly, or head of household
Add Deductions
Include itemized deductions or use standard deduction (calculated automatically)
Enter Dependents
Add number of qualifying dependents for federal tax credits
Calculate Taxes
Click Calculate to see detailed federal, state, and FICA tax breakdown
Review Results
See total tax, effective rate, marginal rate, and net take-home income
Benefits of Using This Calculator
- • Accurate 2025 Tax Rates: Uses current California and federal tax brackets for precise calculations.
- • Complete Tax Picture: Calculates federal, state, Social Security, and Medicare taxes together.
- • Relocation Planning: Compare California's high taxes to other states when considering moves.
- • Job Offer Evaluation: Understand true take-home pay when comparing California job offers.
- • Tax Withholding Planning: Plan W-4 withholdings to avoid large tax bills or refunds.
- • Instant Results: Get immediate tax estimates without complex forms or software.
Factors That Affect California Taxes
1. High State Tax Rates
California has the highest state income tax in the US, with a top rate of 13.3% for income over $1 million.
2. No SALT Deduction Limit
Federal law limits state and local tax (SALT) deductions to $10,000, affecting high-income California residents.
3. Filing Status Impact
Married couples filing jointly benefit from wider tax brackets and higher standard deductions.
4. Additional Medicare Tax
High earners pay extra 0.9% Medicare tax on wages over $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married).
5. Tax Credits Available
California offers various tax credits including earned income credit, child tax credit, and dependent credits.
6. Capital Gains Treatment
California taxes capital gains as ordinary income at full rates, unlike federal preferential treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the California state income tax rate for 2025?
California has nine tax brackets ranging from 1% to 12.3%. High earners with income over $1 million pay an additional 1% mental health services tax, bringing the top rate to 13.3%.
Does California have local income taxes?
No, California does not have local or city income taxes. However, California does have local sales taxes and property taxes that vary by county and city.
How is California income tax calculated?
California uses a progressive tax system with nine brackets. Your income is taxed at different rates as it moves through the brackets. Federal taxes, FICA (Social Security and Medicare), and state taxes are all calculated separately.
What is the standard deduction for California in 2025?
The California standard deduction for 2025 is $5,540 for single filers or married/RDP filing separately, and $11,080 for married/RDP filing jointly, qualifying surviving spouse, or head of household.