California tax overview - 2026
California paycheck calculator - 2026
Estimate your take-home pay after all federal and state deductions
This calculator provides estimates only. Actual withholding depends on your W-4 elections, additional income, deductions, and credits. Consult a tax professional for precise calculations.
Frequently asked questions - paycheck taxes
How paycheck taxes are calculated
Your take-home pay is your gross pay minus four main deductions: federal income tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and state income tax. Additional deductions like health insurance and 401k contributions further reduce your taxable income.
Federal income tax uses a progressive bracket system for 2026 - you pay 10% on the first portion of income, 12% on the next, and so on up to 37% for the highest earners. You only pay the higher rate on income above each threshold, not your entire salary.
Nine states have no state income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. If you live in one of these states you keep significantly more of each paycheck.