California Paycheck Calculator
Calculate your take-home pay after federal, California state income tax (1%–13.3%), SDI, Social Security, and Medicare. California has the highest state income tax rate in the nation with 9 brackets plus a Mental Health Services surtax.
California Paycheck Calculator
2025 tax year · estimate
How California taxes your paycheck
California uses a progressive income tax with 9 brackets from 1% to 12.3%. An additional 1% Mental Health Services Tax applies to income over $1 million (effective top rate 13.3%).
- Annualize your gross pay
- Subtract pre-tax deductions (401k, health insurance, HSA)
- Subtract the standard deduction ($5,706 single / $11,412 MFJ)
- Apply the 9-bracket progressive rate schedule
- Add Mental Health Services Tax if over $1M
- Divide by your number of pay periods
In addition to state income tax, California employees also pay:
- Federal income tax (10%–37%)
- Social Security (6.2% up to $176,100)
- Medicare (1.45% + 0.9% over $200k)
- CA SDI — State Disability Insurance (1.2%, no wage cap)
California tax rates — Single filers (2025)
Source: California Franchise Tax Board. MFJ brackets are roughly double.
| Taxable Income | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $11,079 | 1% |
| $11,079 – $26,264 | 2% |
| $26,264 – $41,452 | 4% |
| $41,452 – $57,542 | 6% |
| $57,542 – $72,724 | 8% |
| $72,724 – $371,479 | 9.3% |
| $371,479 – $445,771 | 10.3% |
| $445,771 – $742,953 | 11.3% |
| Over $742,953 | 12.3% |
| Over $1,000,000 | +1% (Mental Health) |
Standard deduction: $5,706 (Single/MFS) / $11,412 (MFJ/HoH)
California SDI (State Disability Insurance)
CA SDI is a mandatory employee-paid payroll deduction at 1.2% (2025) of all wages with no wage cap. It funds short-term disability benefits for workers who can't work due to non-work-related illness or injury.
Unlike Social Security which has a wage base limit ($176,100), SDI applies to every dollar you earn. For 2026, the rate increases to 1.3%.
Who uses this calculator
California employees
Verify your paycheck accuracy including all 9 state tax brackets and SDI.
Tech workers
Many tech salaries push into high CA brackets (9.3%+). Understand your effective rate.
Job seekers
Comparing offers? California's high taxes significantly reduce take-home pay vs. states like TX, FL, or WA.
High earners
If your income exceeds $1M, the Mental Health Services Tax adds 1% — effective top rate of 13.3%.
People relocating to CA
Understand the full tax picture before moving. CA has the highest state income tax in the US.
Payroll administrators
Cross-check CA withholding including SDI, progressive brackets, and DE 4 allowances.
Frequently asked questions
How is California state income tax calculated?
California uses a progressive system with 9 brackets ranging from 1% to 12.3%. A 1% Mental Health Services Tax applies to taxable income over $1 million, making the effective top rate 13.3%. Brackets differ by filing status.
What is CA SDI (State Disability Insurance)?
CA SDI is a mandatory employee-paid payroll tax at 1.2% (2025) on all wages with no cap. It funds short-term disability benefits. It's deducted from every paycheck.
What is the California Mental Health Services Tax?
An additional 1% tax on taxable income exceeding $1 million. Combined with the top 12.3% bracket, high earners pay an effective 13.3% state income tax rate—the highest in the nation.
Is 401(k) pre-tax for California state tax?
Yes. California generally conforms to federal pre-tax treatment for 401(k), 403(b), and Section 125 (health insurance/FSA) contributions.
Does California have local income taxes?
No. California does not have local/city income taxes on wages. However, local jurisdictions levy additional sales taxes and property taxes which don't affect paycheck withholding.
What form do I use for CA state withholding?
Employees file the DE 4 (Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate) with their employer for California state withholding. This is separate from the federal W-4.
How accurate is this calculator?
This calculator provides a close estimate based on 2025 California tax rates and standard withholding formulas. Your actual paycheck may vary based on your employer's payroll system, DE 4 elections, and year-to-date earnings.