California Payroll Tax Calculator 2026
Understand exactly which payroll taxes come out of a California paycheck — and how much — for 2026.
Quick answer
California employee payroll taxes for 2026 include: federal income tax (per W-4 and IRS brackets), Social Security (6.2% up to the wage base), Medicare (1.45% on all wages + 0.9% above $200K single), California state income tax (1% to 12.3% progressive brackets + 1% mental health surcharge over $1M), and California SDI (1.3% with no wage cap).
Income
$
Filing & location
Pre-tax deductions
Per paycheck unless % of grossTraditional 401(k)
%
HSA
$
FSA
$
Health insurance
$
Dental insurance
$
Vision insurance
$
Post-tax deductions
Roth 401(k)
%
Estimated take-home pay
$2,779.76per paycheck
Monthly
$6,023
Annual
$72,274
Take-home rate
72.3%
Effective tax rate
27.7%
Gross-to-net breakdown
FederalFICACA taxSDIDeductionsNet
Gross pay$3,846.15
Federal income tax-$517.27
Social Security-$238.46
Medicare-$55.77
California income tax-$204.89
CA SDI-$50.00
Pre-tax deductions-$0.00
Post-tax deductions-$0.00
Net pay$2,779.76
If you were paid…
- Weekly$1,390
- Biweekly$2,780
- Semi-monthly$3,011
- Monthly$6,023
This is an estimate. Your actual paycheck may differ based on your employer's payroll system, benefit elections, local taxes, tax credits, deductions, and personal tax situation.
2026 California payroll tax rates
| Tax | Rate | Wage base / limit |
|---|---|---|
| Federal income tax | 10% – 37% (progressive) | No limit |
| Social Security | 6.2% | $176,100 wage base |
| Medicare | 1.45% | No limit |
| Additional Medicare | 0.9% | Wages above $200,000 (single) |
| California state income tax | 1% – 12.3% (progressive) | No limit |
| CA Mental Health surcharge | 1% | Income above $1,000,000 |
| California SDI | 1.3% | No wage cap |
Federal brackets reflect projected 2026 inflation-adjusted figures. Verify with IRS Publication 15-T.
Frequently asked questions
How is my California paycheck calculated?+
Your California paycheck is calculated by subtracting federal income tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), California state income tax, California SDI, pre-tax deductions (such as 401(k), HSA, health insurance), post-tax deductions, and any extra withholding from your gross pay. Pay frequency determines how the annual tax estimate is split across paychecks.
What taxes come out of a California paycheck?+
California paychecks include federal income tax withholding, Social Security and Medicare (FICA), California state income tax withholding, and California State Disability Insurance (SDI). Additional Medicare tax may apply to higher earners.
What is California SDI?+
California State Disability Insurance (SDI) is a mandatory payroll deduction that funds short-term disability and Paid Family Leave benefits. For 2026 the SDI rate is 1.3% of wages with no wage cap.
Does California tax bonuses?+
Yes. Bonuses are supplemental wages and are subject to federal, state, FICA, and SDI taxes. California typically withholds at a flat supplemental rate, but the actual amount owed is determined at tax time.
How much is a biweekly paycheck on a $100,000 salary in California?+
For a single filer in California with no pre-tax deductions, a $100,000 salary generally yields roughly $2,500–$2,800 per biweekly paycheck after federal, state, FICA, and SDI taxes. Use the calculator above for a personalized estimate that includes your deductions.
Why is my California paycheck lower than expected?+
Common reasons include higher federal or state withholding from your W-4 settings, pre-tax deductions for 401(k) or health insurance, post-tax items like Roth 401(k), garnishments, or local benefits. California SDI also reduces take-home pay.
Does 401(k) reduce my California paycheck taxes?+
Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce your federal and California taxable income, lowering income tax withholding. They do not reduce Social Security, Medicare, or SDI taxes. Roth 401(k) contributions are post-tax and do not reduce current income tax withholding.
Is this paycheck calculator exact?+
No. This is an estimate using published 2026 tax brackets and standard withholding logic. Your actual paycheck depends on your employer's payroll system, exact W-4 settings, benefit elections, local taxes, and any tax credits you qualify for.