California Tax Calculator
Estimate your California state income tax using 2025 tax brackets. California has ten income tax brackets ranging from 1% to 13.3%, the highest top rate of any state. Enter your income and filing status to see your CA tax liability.
California has the highest top marginal income tax rate in the country at 13.3%, which applies to income over $1 million for single filers. But most Californians pay much less. The brackets start at just 1% on the first $10,756 and climb gradually through nine intermediate rates before reaching the top.
A single filer earning $100,000 with the standard $5,540 deduction pays about $5,200 in California income tax, for an effective rate of roughly 5.2%. That is well below the top rate because most income is taxed in lower brackets.
California also charges State Disability Insurance (SDI) at 1.1% on wages up to $161,391. This is withheld from your paycheck alongside state income tax and adds to your total California tax burden. SDI funds short-term disability and paid family leave benefits.
The California standard deduction is relatively small: $5,540 for single filers and $11,080 for married filing jointly. This is much lower than the federal standard deduction, which means more of your income is subject to state tax. California allows itemized deductions but conforms to many federal limitations, including the $10,000 SALT deduction cap.