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California Income Tax Calculator 2026

California has the highest top state income tax rate in the US, with nine brackets ranging from 1% on the first $11,456 of taxable income (single) to 12.3%, plus a 1% mental health services tax on income over $1 million (13.3% combined). On a $82,000 salary, a single filer's California state income tax is approximately $3,240 — about 4.0% effective state rate. California requires a state tax return for residents with income above $20,000. The average state tax refund in California is approximately $400. California's unique CalEITC (California Earned Income Tax Credit) provides up to $3,417 for low-income workers, exceeding the federal EITC in generosity for qualifying families.

2026 federal + state brackets + FICA — updates as you type.

State: California (pre-selected; change the dropdown for other states)

Not applied in this simplified model.

State tax uses your state's 2026 brackets, standard deduction, exemptions and credits for your filing status. City and county income taxes (for example NYC, Maryland counties, Ohio cities) are not included. FICA: Social Security 6.2% on wages up to $184,500 and Medicare 1.45% on all wages shown.

California tax uses the 2026 FTB brackets, standard deduction ($5,900 single, $11,800 married or head of household) and personal exemption credit. CalEITC, Young Child Credit and SDI are not modeled. Confirm with FTB guidance or a tax professional.

Federal brackets (2026 · Single)

10%$0 – $12,400
12%$12,401 – $50,400
22%$50,401 – $105,700
Your bracket
24%$105,701 – $201,775
32%$201,776 – $256,225
35%$256,226 – $640,600
37%$640,601+

Net take-home

$63,280

Total tax: $18,720

Federal income tax-$9,210
State income tax-$3,237
Social Security-$5,084
Medicare-$1,189
Net income$63,280

Effective rate

22.8%

Marginal rate

31.3%

Income position

Taxable income $65,900 relative to bracket scale (cap $691,848).

California State Tax Brackets 2026

Single filer taxable income (after the $5,900 standard deduction); married and HOH brackets differ. Source: California FTB 2026 tax rate schedules.

Income (single)CA state rate
$0 – $11,4561%
$11,456 – $27,1572%
$27,157 – $42,8614%
$42,861 – $59,4986%
$59,498 – $75,1978%
$75,197 – $384,1099.3%
$384,109 – $460,92710.3%
$460,927 – $768,21311.3%
Over $768,21312.3%
Income over $1,000,000+1% Mental Health Services Tax (13.3% combined)

California Tax Credits 2026

California offers several unique tax credits. The California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) provides up to $3,417 for workers earning under $32,000 — one of the most generous state EITCs in the country. The Young Child Tax Credit adds up to $1,117 per child under age 6. Renters can claim a $60 (single) or $120 (joint) nonrefundable credit. California does not cap itemized deductions, allowing high-value deductions for mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and medical expenses beyond federal limits. The calculator applies only the standard deduction and the personal exemption credit ($158 single, $316 married joint); these other credits and itemized deductions are not modeled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the California state income tax rate for 2026?

California's 2026 brackets for single filers run from 1% on taxable income up to $11,456 to 12.3% above $768,213, plus a 1% Mental Health Services Tax on income over $1 million (13.3% combined top rate). Married filing jointly brackets are roughly double. Because of the $5,900 standard deduction and $158 personal credit, effective state rates for middle incomes are much lower — about 2.6% on $60,000 and 4.9% on $100,000 for a single filer. Rates: California FTB 2026 tax rate schedules.

What is the CalEITC credit in California?

The California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) is a refundable state tax credit for low-income workers. For 2026, it provides up to $3,417 for workers with AGI under approximately $32,000 with earned income. It is one of the most generous state-level earned income credits in the US. CalEITC is not modeled in this calculator.

How much California state tax do I pay on $82,000?

On $82,000 of wages, a single filer pays approximately $3,240 in California state income tax — an effective state rate of about 4.0% (marginal 9.3%). Married filing jointly, it is about $1,180. Combined with federal income tax and FICA, a single filer's total effective rate is about 23%, before SDI payroll deductions.

Does California tax retirement income?

Yes. California taxes most retirement income including pension payments, IRA withdrawals, and 401(k) distributions at regular state income tax rates. California does not exempt Social Security from state tax, though federal rules may make some Social Security non-taxable federally. Military retirement pay is also fully taxable in California.

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Educational estimates only. Not IRS or FTB advice.