Calculate your California state income tax quickly and accurately with our user-friendly online calculator. Simply enter your income and select the filing status in the calculator provided below to calculate your tax.
California Tax Calculator for 2023
How is Income Tax Calculated in California
Income tax calculation in California follows specific guidelines based on the taxable income, filing status, and other relevant factors.
Following are some key points about income tax calculation in California:
- 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.
- Taxable Income: To calculate your California income tax, start with your federal adjusted gross income (AGI) and make California-specific adjustments. These adjustments might include adding back certain deductions or income not taxed at the federal level.
- California Standard Deduction: California offers a standard deduction similar to the federal standard deduction. For example in 2022, the standard deduction amounts were $4,803 for single filers, $9,606 for joint filers, and $4,803 for each dependent.
- Credits and Deductions: California offers various tax credits and deductions that can reduce your taxable income. Common deductions include mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and medical expenses.
- Additional Taxes: In addition to the regular income tax, California imposes additional taxes such as the Mental Health Services Tax (1%) on taxable incomes over $1 million for mental health services funding.
- Estimated Tax Payments: If you’re self-employed or have significant income not subject to withholding, you may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid underpayment penalties.
Tax Filing Status
There are 5 tax filing status in California and they are as follows:
- Single,
- Married filing jointly,
- Married filing separately,
- Qualifying surviving spouse / RDP with child,
- Head of household.
The filing status also affects your tax rate and standard deduction amount.
Tax Filing Deadline
California’s income tax filing deadline typically aligns with the federal deadline (April 15), but it’s essential to check for any updates or changes each year.
Understanding these segments helps an individual in their income tax calculation in California. One can easily prepare and plan their finances effectively with this information. For precise calculations based on your specific circumstances, consider using a reliable California income tax calculator or consult with a tax professional.
California Income Tax Rates and Brackets
Our Tax Calculator calculates the tax amount depending upon the tax tables data from the State of California Franchise Tax Board. The tax rate table for each Income tax filing status is given below:
1. Single
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 is: |
| $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 / Registered Domestic Partnership (RDP) Filing Separately
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 is: |
| $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 / Registered Domestic Partnership (RDP) Filing Jointly
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 is: |
| $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
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 is: |
| $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
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 is: |
| $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 |
Disclaimer:
The Calculations are estimates based on upon the tax tables data from the State of California Franchise Tax Board. These rates are subject to change. Check the IRS website for the latest information about income taxes and your state tax website for state-specific information.
Our calculator doesn’t consider Standard deductions, itemized deduction, 401k and IRA deductions due to the tax law limitations.
Please note, the amount of your IRA deductions may vary. You should speak with a tax professional to determine your tax situation. This Tax Calculator is for 2023 tax year only. Do not use the calculator for 540 2EZ or prior tax years.
For precise tax calculations and tailored advice, we strongly recommend consulting with a professional tax advisor or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in California prior to filing your income tax return.