💰 Free Payroll Calculator — 2026 Tax Year
Calculate your take-home pay with federal & state taxes
California Payroll Tax Overview for 2026
California levies a state income tax with rates ranging from 1-13.3%. When calculating payroll in California, employers must withhold both federal and state income taxes, along with FICA contributions (Social Security at 6.2% and Medicare at 1.45%).
California Income Tax Brackets (2026)
| Income Range | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0.00 — $10,412.00 | 1% |
| $10,412.00 — $24,684.00 | 2% |
| $24,684.00 — $38,959.00 | 4% |
| $38,959.00 — $54,081.00 | 6% |
| $54,081.00 — $68,350.00 | 8% |
| $68,350.00 — $349,137.00 | 9.3% |
| $349,137.00 — $418,961.00 | 10.3% |
| $418,961.00 — $698,271.00 | 11.3% |
| $698,271.00 — and above | 12.3% |
| $1,000,000.00 — and above | 13.3% |
Additional California Payroll Information
- Minimum Wage (2026): $16.50 per hour
- State Unemployment Insurance (SUI): 1.5-6.2% (employer-paid)
- Capital: Sacramento
- Population: 39.0M
Note: Highest top marginal rate in the US. SDI tax also applies.
California Take-Home Pay Examples
See how much you'd take home at different salary levels in California (single filer, 2026 tax year):
| Annual Salary | Federal Tax | State Tax | FICA | Take-Home | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000.00 | $3,877.50 | $1,623.02 | $3,825.00 | $40,674.48 | 18.65% |
| $75,000.00 | $7,960.00 | $3,627.85 | $5,737.50 | $57,674.65 | 23.1% |
| $100,000.00 | $13,460.00 | $5,952.85 | $7,650.00 | $72,937.15 | 27.06% |
Employer Payroll Tax Cost in California
Employers in California must pay additional payroll taxes on top of each employee's salary. Here's the employer cost breakdown for a $75,000 salary:
Employer SS (6.2%)
$4,650.00
Employer Medicare (1.45%)
$1,087.50
FUTA (0.6%)
$42.00
Total Employer Cost
$80,779.50
+7.71% above salary
California Payroll FAQ
Payroll Calculators for Other States
Disclaimer: This California payroll calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual tax withholdings may vary based on local taxes, additional deductions, and individual circumstances. California tax rates are based on 2026 figures from the IRS and California Department of Revenue. Consult a qualified tax professional for accurate payroll advice.