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California Income Tax Calculator

Calculate your combined federal and California state income tax for 2025

Don't know your taxable income? Calculate it from gross income

Federal standard deduction (single): $15,750

Estimated taxable income: $0

How California Income Tax Works

California uses progressive tax brackets, similar to the federal system. Each bracket rate applies only to income within that range. This calculator computes both your federal andCalifornia state tax to show your total tax burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does California have a flat tax or progressive tax?
California has a progressive income tax. Your income is taxed at increasing rates as it rises through 9 brackets. Your effective rate is always lower than your top marginal rate.
How does California income tax compare to other states?
California has the highest top marginal rate (13.3%) in the nation. However, for most earners, the effective rate is moderate. Nine states have no income tax at all, and 14 states use flat rates ranging from 2.5% to 5.7%.
What is California's Behavioral Health Services Tax?
It's an additional 1% tax on California taxable income exceeding $1,000,000, bringing the top marginal rate to 13.3%. It was formerly called the Mental Health Services Tax and funds behavioral health programs.
What is California's income tax rate for 2025?
California has 9 progressive tax brackets ranging from 1% to 12.3%, plus a 1% surtax on income over $1 million (total top rate: 13.3%). Most earners pay an effective rate between 4% and 7%.
Why is California's standard deduction so much lower than federal?
California's standard deduction is $5,706 (single) vs the federal $15,750 because California uses a 2015 IRC conformity date and did not adopt the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act's increased standard deduction.

Important Considerations

  • • This calculator estimates federal + state income tax only. It does not include FICA, local taxes, or other deductions.
  • • State tax brackets shown are for single filers. Some states have different brackets for married filers.
  • • Some states allow deductions for federal taxes paid, which is not reflected here.
  • • This is for educational purposes only and is not tax advice.

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