Paycheck Calculator California 2026: Estimate Taxes
Calculate your take-home pay in California. Updated for 2026 Federal and State tax brackets. Includes FICA, Medicare, and California specific deductions.
Understanding California Taxes
Residents of California are subject to state income tax. The state uses a progressive tax system with rates ranging up to 12.30%.In addition to state taxes, you must also pay Federal Income Tax and FICA (Social Security & Medicare).
US Federal Tax Tables (2025 vs 2026): quick reference
If you’re comparing take-home pay across years, these tables are a quick snapshot of the federal standard deduction and bracket tops. For a full estimate, use our Income Tax Calculator or browse US tax tools.
Standard deduction (2025 vs 2026)
| Filing status | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $15,000 | $16,100 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $30,000 | $32,200 |
| Head of Household | $22,500 | $24,150 |
| Married Filing Separately | $15,000 | $16,100 |
Ordinary income bracket tops (quick snapshot)
| Year | Status | 10% top | 12% top | 22% top | 24% top | 32% top | 35% top | 37% starts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Single | $11,925 | $48,475 | $103,350 | $197,300 | $250,525 | $626,350 | $626,351+ |
| 2026 | Single | $12,400 | $50,400 | $105,700 | $201,775 | $256,225 | $640,600 | $640,601+ |
| 2025 | MFJ | $23,850 | $96,950 | $206,700 | $394,600 | $501,050 | $751,600 | $751,601+ |
| 2026 | MFJ | $24,800 | $100,800 | $211,400 | $403,550 | $512,450 | $768,700 | $768,701+ |
| 2025 | HOH | $17,000 | $64,850 | $103,350 | $197,300 | $250,500 | $626,350 | $626,351+ |
| 2026 | HOH | $17,700 | $67,450 | $105,700 | $201,775 | $256,200 | $640,600 | $640,601+ |
What is FICA?
FICA stands for Federal Insurance Contributions Act. It includes a 6.2% Social Security tax and a 1.45% Medicare tax. These are flat rates for most employees, though high earners may pay an Additional Medicare Tax.