Estimate your take-home pay in California. The state levies a graduated income tax that tops out at 13.3% (1% to 13.3% across 10 brackets). This means a portion of every paycheck goes toward state income tax in addition to federal withholding, Social Security, and Medicare.
Disclaimer: All figures on this page are estimates for general informational purposes only and are not financial, tax, or legal advice. Tax rates, brackets, and withholding rules change and vary by locality and personal circumstances. Verify current rates with the California Department of Revenue or the IRS, and consult a qualified tax professional before making financial decisions.
California Tax Snapshot
- State Income Tax
- 13.3% top rate
- Sales Tax (state + local avg)
- 8.82%
- Avg Property Tax Rate
- 0.71%
- Median Home Value
- $773,200
- State Minimum Wage
- $16.50/hr
Did You Know?
California has the highest state income tax rate in the nation at 13.3%.
How California's Graduated Brackets Affect Your Paycheck
When you earn a paycheck in California, your employer withholds federal income tax, Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%). On top of that, the state withholds income tax based on 1% to 13.3% across 10 brackets. The state minimum wage is $16.50 per hour, which sets the floor for hourly workers. Understanding these deductions helps you budget effectively and plan for the average 0.71% property tax rate on homes valued around $773,200.
California also levies a combined state and average local sales tax of 8.82%, which affects your overall purchasing power. Factor this into your budget when calculating how far your paycheck stretches.
How California's Income Tax Compares Nationally
California uses a graduated income tax — 1% to 13.3% across 10 brackets — so higher slices of income are taxed at higher rates rather than one flat percentage.
Its 13.3% top rate is the highest in the nation among the 42 states and jurisdictions that tax wages, above the median top rate of 5.54%.
For comparison, nearby states line up like this: Arizona (top rate 2.5%); Nevada (no income tax); Oregon (top rate 9.9%); Washington (no income tax).