California Tax Calculator

Calculate your California state income tax liability. Includes progressive tax brackets, standard deductions, and tax credits for California residents.

Filing Information

Income Information

Tax Summary

Taxable Income: $0
Standard Deduction: $0
Tax Credits: -$0
State Tax Owed: $0

Tax Breakdown by Bracket

Effective Tax Rate

State Tax Rate: 0.00%
Compared to Federal: Lower

Understanding California State Income Tax

California has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 1% to 13.3%. The state offers various deductions and credits to reduce tax liability. Understanding California's tax structure is important for residents and those considering moving to the state.

California Tax Brackets (2024)

Tax Rate Single Filers Married Filing Jointly Head of Household
1.0% $0 - $10,412 $0 - $20,824 $0 - $14,959
2.0% $10,413 - $24,684 $20,825 - $49,368 $14,960 - $35,483
4.0% $24,685 - $38,959 $49,369 - $77,918 $35,484 - $55,928
6.0% $38,960 - $54,081 $77,919 - $108,162 $55,929 - $77,483
8.0% $54,082 - $68,350 $108,163 - $136,700 $77,484 - $97,867
9.3% $68,351 - $349,137 $136,701 - $349,137 $97,868 - $349,137
10.3% $349,138 - $698,271 $349,138 - $698,271 $349,138 - $698,271
11.3% $698,272 - $1,000,000 $698,272 - $1,000,000 $698,272 - $1,000,000
12.3% $1,000,001 - $1,184,810 $1,000,001 - $1,184,810 $1,000,001 - $1,184,810
13.3% $1,184,811+ $1,184,811+ $1,184,811+

Standard Deductions

Standard Deduction Amounts

  • Single: $5,202
  • Married Filing Jointly: $10,404
  • Married Filing Separately: $5,202
  • Head of Household: $7,803

Personal Exemptions

California eliminated personal exemptions in 2020. However, the state offers various credits and deductions.

  • Dependent exemptions still available
  • Various tax credits available
  • Itemized deductions allowed

Tax Credits and Deductions

Popular Tax Credits

  • Renter's Credit: Up to $300 for renters
  • Child Care Credit: Up to $1,000 per child
  • College Access Tax Credit: Up to $100
  • Donation Tax Credit: For charitable contributions

Itemized Deductions

  • Mortgage interest
  • State and local taxes (SALT)
  • Medical expenses
  • Charitable contributions
  • Casualty losses

California vs. Federal Taxes

Income Range Federal Rate CA Rate Combined Rate
$50,000 - $100,000 22% 6-8% 28-30%
$100,000 - $200,000 24% 8-9.3% 32-33.3%
$200,000+ 32-37% 9.3-13.3% 41.3-50.3%

Filing Requirements

Who Must File

  • Income over filing threshold
  • Self-employed individuals
  • Part-year residents
  • Those with CA-source income

Filing Thresholds

  • Under 65: $10,412 (single)
  • 65 and older: $14,098 (single)
  • Married: $20,824 (joint)
  • Head of Household: $14,959

Tax Payment Options

Pay As You Go

Withholding from wages

Estimated tax payments

Annual Payment

Due April 15

With tax return

Extensions

Available until October 15

Interest may accrue

Key Takeaways

  • California has a progressive tax system with rates from 1% to 13.3%
  • The top rate applies to income over $1 million
  • Standard deductions range from $5,202 to $10,404
  • Various tax credits are available to reduce liability
  • California tax is in addition to federal tax
  • Combined state and federal rates can exceed 50% for high earners
  • Tax planning is essential for California residents

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