Use our online California tax calculator to calculate your state income tax for 2023. Simply enter your income and filing status below to get an estimate of your California tax liability.
California Tax Calculator for 2023
How to Calculate California Income Tax in 2023
Income tax in California is calculated based on several key factors, including your taxable income, filing status, and other variables like deductions and credits. Understanding how these affect your taxes helps you plan better.
Following are some key points about income tax calculation in California:
1. California Tax Rates and Brackets:
California has a progressive income tax system with several tax brackets. This means that the tax rates range from 1% to 13.3% based on your income level. For example, the more you earn, the higher your tax rate within each bracket.
2. Taxable Income
Your taxable income is calculated starting with your federal Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), and then adjustments are made according to California tax laws. This may include additional income sources not taxed at the federal level, or reductions based on California-specific deductions.
3. California Standard Deduction
California provides a standard deduction similar to the federal deduction. In 2022, the standard deduction was:
- $4,803 for single filers,
- $9,606 for joint filers,
- $4,803 for each dependent.
These amounts may slightly change each year.
4. Credits and Deductions
You can lower your taxable income by claiming credits and deductions. Common deductions in California include:
- Mortgage interest
- Charitable contributions
- Medical expenses
California also offers specific tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for low-income earners.
5. Additional Taxes
In addition to regular state income taxes, California imposes other taxes, like the Mental Health Services Tax of 1% on incomes over $1 million.
6. Estimated Tax Payments
If you’re self-employed or have substantial income not subject to withholding, you may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid penalties.
California Tax Filing Status
Your filing status significantly affects your tax rate and standard deduction. The following are the available filing statuses in California:
- Single
- Married Filing Jointly
- Married Filing Separately
- Head of Household
- Qualifying Surviving Spouse / RDP with Child
Each filing status has its own tax brackets and deduction limits.
Tax Filing Deadline in California 2024
The California tax filing deadline is usually April 15, aligning with the federal deadline. However, there may be adjustments due to holidays or other factors, so always check for the latest updates.
California Income Tax Rates and Brackets
Our tax calculator utilizes the most up-to-date tax rates from the State of California Franchise Tax Board. Below are the tax tables based on different filing statuses for the 2023 tax year.
1. Single Filers (Schedule X)
The Schedule X covers the Single Filing Status. Single meaning an unmarried Individual. The tax table for this status is given below:
| If the taxable income in California is over: | But not over: | Tax amount: |
| $0 | $10,412 | 1% of the income |
| $10,412 | $24,684 | $104.12 + 2% of the amount over $10,412 |
| $24,684 | $38,959 | $389.56 + 4% of the amount over $24,684 |
| $38,959 | $54,081 | $960.56 + 6% of the amount over $38,959 |
| $54,081 | $68,350 | $1,867.88 + 8% of the amount over $54,081 |
| $68,350 | $349,137 | $3,009.40 + 9.3% of the amount over $68,350 |
| $349,137 | $418,961 | $29,122.59 + 10.3% of the amount over $349,137 |
| $418,961 | $698,271 | $36,314.46 + 11.3% of the amount over $418,961 |
| $698,271 | and over | $67,876.49 + 12.3% of the amount over $698,271 |
2. Married/RDP Filing Separately (Schedule X)
The Schedule X covers Married / Registered Domestic Partnership (RDP) Filing Separately and the tax table for this status is given below:
| If the taxable income in California is over: | But not over: | Tax amount: |
| $0 | $10,412 | 1% of the income |
| $10,412 | $24,684 | $104.12 + 2% of the amount over $10,412 |
| $24,684 | $38,959 | $389.56 + 4% of the amount over $24,684 |
| $38,959 | $54,081 | $960.56 + 6% of the amount over $38,959 |
| $54,081 | $68,350 | $1,867.88 + 8% of the amount over $54,081 |
| $68,350 | $349,137 | $3,009.40 + 9.3% of the amount over $68,350 |
| $349,137 | $418,961 | $29,122.59 + 10.3% of the amount over $349,137 |
| $418,961 | $698,271 | $36,314.46 + 11.3% of the amount over $418,961 |
| $698,271 | and over | $67,876.49 + 12.3% of the amount over $698,271 |
3. Married/RDP Filing Jointly (Schedule Y)
The Schedule Y covers Married / Registered Domestic Partnership (RDP) Filing Jointly and the tax table for this status is given below:
| If the taxable income in California is over: | But not over: | Tax amount: |
| $0 | $20,824 | 1% of the income |
| $20,824 | $49,368 | $208.24 + 2% of the amount over $20,824 |
| $49,368 | $77,918 | $779.12 + 4% of the amount over $49,368 |
| $77,918 | $108,162 | $1,912.12 + 6% of the amount over $77,918 |
| $108,162 | $136,700 | $3,735.76 + 8% of the amount over $108,162 |
| $136,700 | $698,274 | $6,018.80 + 9.3% of the amount over $136,700 |
| $698,274 | $837,922 | $58,245.18 + 10.3% of the amount over $698,274 |
| $837,922 | $1,396,542 | $72,628.92 + 11.3% of the amount over $837,922 |
| $1,396,542 | and over | $135,752.98 + 12.3% of the amount over $1,396,542 |
4. Qualifying Surviving Spouse/RDP with Dependent Child (Schedule Y)
Qualifying Surviving Spouse / RDP with dependent child status means a Qualified widow / widower with a child. The Schedule Y covers Qualifying Surviving Spouse / RDP with dependent child and tax table for this status is given below:
| If the taxable income in California is over: | But not over: | Tax amount: |
| $0 | $20,824 | 1% of the income |
| $20,824 | $49,368 | $208.24 + 2% of the amount over $20,824 |
| $49,368 | $77,918 | $779.12 + 4% of the amount over $49,368 |
| $77,918 | $108,162 | $1,912.12 + 6% of the amount over $77,918 |
| $108,162 | $136,700 | $3,735.76 + 8% of the amount over $108,162 |
| $136,700 | $698,274 | $6,018.80 + 9.3% of the amount over $136,700 |
| $698,274 | $837,922 | $58,245.18 + 10.3% of the amount over $698,274 |
| $837,922 | $1,396,542 | $72,628.92 + 11.3% of the amount over $837,922 |
| $1,396,542 | and over | $135,752.98 + 12.3% of the amount over $1,396,542 |
5. Head of Household (Schedule Z)
The Schedule Z covers Head of Household and the tax table for this status is given below:
| If the taxable income in California is over: | But not over: | Tax amount: |
| $0 | $20,839 | 1% of the income |
| $20,839 | $49,371 | $208.39 + 2% of the amount over $20,839 |
| $49,371 | $63,644 | $779.03 + 4% of the amount over $49,371 |
| $63,644 | $78,765 | $1,349.95 + 6% of the amount over $63,644 |
| $78,765 | $93,037 | $2,257.21 + 8% of the amount over $78,765 |
| $93,037 | $474,824 | $3,398.97 + 9.3% of the amount over $93,037 |
| $474,824 | $569,790 | $38,905.16 + 10.3% of the amount over $474,824 |
| $569,790 | $949,649 | $48,686.66 + 11.3% of the amount over $569,790 |
| $949,649 | and over | $91,610.73 + 12.3% of the amount over $949,649 |
FAQ
California’s income tax rates range from 1% on income up to $10,412, to 13.3% on income over $1 million.
If you earn income in California or are a part-year resident, you may still be liable to pay California state taxes.
Common deductions include mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and medical expenses. You may also qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit.
If you’re earning $100,000 in California, the tax rate for this income bracket is around 9.3% for single filers. Depending on deductions and filing status, your effective tax rate may be lower. Try our calculator to see how it applies to your situation.
Why Choose Our 2024 California Tax Calculator?
Our calculator provides a quick and accurate way to estimate your tax liability for the 2024 tax year. Whether you’re single, married, or filing as head of household, our tool is tailored to provide estimates based on up-to-date tax brackets and rates.
Use our tool to:
- Save time: Get your estimated tax amount in seconds.
- Plan ahead: Know how much to set aside for California state taxes.
- Make informed decisions: Adjust your withholding or make estimated tax payments with confidence.
Disclaimer
Please note that our tax calculator provides estimates based on the latest tax tables from the California Franchise Tax Board. It does not take into account itemized deductions, IRA contributions, or other specific circumstances. For personalized tax advice, we recommend consulting with a tax professional or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in California.