Your take-home pay every two weeks
$0
| Item | Per paycheck | Per year |
|---|
Estimates for 2026 using federal brackets from IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 and state rates from the Tax Foundation. Your employer’s withholding tables, W-4/state forms and benefits can change your actual paycheck. Not tax advice.
Enter your pay and choose how often you’re paid. The calculator uses 2026 federal brackets and California’s 2026 tax rules. Results are estimates: your employer’s withholding can differ slightly.
California income tax rates (2026)
California has a graduated income tax from 1% to 13.3%. Brackets for single filers:
| Taxable income | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0-$11,078 | 1% |
| $11,079-$26,263 | 2% |
| $26,264-$41,451 | 4% |
| $41,452-$57,541 | 6% |
| $57,542-$72,723 | 8% |
| $72,724-$371,478 | 9.3% |
| $371,479-$445,770 | 10.3% |
| $445,771-$742,952 | 11.3% |
| $742,953-$999,999 | 12.3% |
| $1,000,000 and up | 13.3% |
Married filing jointly
| Taxable income | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0-$22,157 | 1% |
| $22,158-$52,527 | 2% |
| $52,528-$82,903 | 4% |
| $82,904-$115,083 | 6% |
| $115,084-$145,447 | 8% |
| $145,448-$742,957 | 9.3% |
| $742,958-$891,541 | 10.3% |
| $891,542-$999,999 | 11.3% |
| $1,000,000-$1,485,905 | 12.3% |
| $1,485,906 and up | 13.3% |
Deductions and exemptions
| Deduction | Single | Married jointly |
|---|---|---|
| Standard deduction | $5,540 | $11,080 |
| Personal credit | $153 | $306 |
Other California payroll deductions
| Program | Employee rate (2026) | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| State Disability Insurance (SDI, includes paid family leave) | 1.3% | all wages |
Rates are for employees of larger employers; some programs charge different shares at small employers.
Local taxes in California
California doesn’t have local income taxes on wages for most workers.
Good to know
The top 13.3% rate includes the 1% Mental Health Services Tax on income over $1 million.
Minimum wage and final pay in California
Minimum wage: $16.90 an hour. Next: $17.40 on January 1, 2027. Exempt salary minimum becomes $72,384 a year.. Tipped cash wage: full minimum wage (no tip credit). Final paycheck if fired: immediately. Rules checked October 25, 2026; see California minimum wage and final pay rules.
Take-home pay examples in California (2026)
Single filer, paid every two weeks, no dependents or pre-tax deductions.
| Salary | Federal income tax | Social Security + Medicare | California taxes | Take-home pay | Per paycheck |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $2,620 | $3,060 | $1,109 | $33,211 | $1,277 |
| $60,000 | $5,020 | $4,590 | $2,429 | $47,961 | $1,845 |
| $80,000 | $8,770 | $6,120 | $4,250 | $60,860 | $2,341 |
| $100,000 | $13,170 | $7,650 | $6,370 | $72,810 | $2,800 |
| $150,000 | $24,734 | $11,475 | $11,670 | $102,121 | $3,928 |
Federal taxes on every California paycheck
- Federal income tax: 10% to 37% on income above the $16,100 standard deduction (single) or $32,200 (married filing jointly). See 2026 tax brackets.
- Social Security: 6.2% of wages up to $184,500.
- Medicare, 1.45% of all wages, plus 0.9% above $200,000.
How to take home more
- Contribute to a 401(k) or 403(b), it lowers federal and California income tax now.
- Use HSA or FSA accounts for health costs; they usually avoid federal income tax and FICA.
- Check your W-4: a big refund means too much is withheld. See how to fill out a W-4.
Frequently asked questions
How much is $75,000 a year after taxes in California?
About $57,830 a year, or $2,224 every two weeks, for a single filer with no pre-tax deductions. Use the calculator for your exact situation.
Does California have a state income tax?
Yes: 1%-13.3% (graduated).
Why is my paycheck different from this estimate?
Employers withhold using IRS and state withholding tables, which approximate your annual tax. Benefits, W-4 choices, bonuses and local taxes also change each paycheck.
Questions from readers
Question about California? Ask it here. We answer general questions on this page. For your own situation, check with a tax professional.
