Estimate your combined federal and California state income tax liability in under 60 seconds. Updated with the latest 2026 brackets and FICA rates.
California has 9 income tax brackets with a top rate of 12.3% for the 2026 tax year. California has the highest top marginal income tax rate in the nation at 13.3% (including the 1% Mental Health Services Tax on income over $1 million). The $800 minimum franchise tax applies to all LLCs regardless of income.
Understanding how your state tax brackets work is essential for effective tax planning. The progressive bracket structure means you pay each rate only on income within that bracket, not on your entire income.
| Tax Rate | Income Range | Tax Owed |
|---|---|---|
| 1% | $0 – $10,412 | 1% of taxable income |
| 2% | $10,412 – $24,684 | $104 + 2% of amount over $10,412 |
| 4% | $24,684 – $38,959 | $390 + 4% of amount over $24,684 |
| 6% | $38,959 – $54,081 | $961 + 6% of amount over $38,959 |
| 8% | $54,081 – $68,350 | $1,868 + 8% of amount over $54,081 |
| 9.3% | $68,350 – $349,137 | $3,009 + 9.3% of amount over $68,350 |
| 10.3% | $349,137 – $418,961 | $29,123 + 10.3% of amount over $349,137 |
| 11.3% | $418,961 – $698,271 | $36,314 + 11.3% of amount over $418,961 |
| 12.3% | Above $698,271 | $67,876 + 12.3% of amount over $698,271 |
Source: California Franchise Tax Board. Brackets shown for single filers, tax year 2025 (filed in 2026).
Sales Tax: California has a state sales tax rate of 7.25%. Local jurisdictions may add additional sales tax.
Federal income tax applies to all U.S. taxpayers regardless of state. Below are the 2026 federal brackets for single filers.
| Rate | Single Filer Income Range |
|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $11,925 |
| 12% | $11,925 – $48,475 |
| 22% | $48,475 – $103,350 |
| 24% | $103,350 – $197,300 |
| 32% | $197,300 – $250,525 |
| 35% | $250,525 – $626,350 |
| 37% | Above $626,350 |
The standard deduction for single filers in 2026 is $15,000. Married filing jointly: $30,000.
Source: IRS Revenue Procedure for tax year 2025.
FICA taxes fund Social Security and Medicare and are calculated on gross wages before deductions.
| Tax | Rate | Wage Base |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | 6.2% | First $168,600 |
| Medicare | 1.45% | All wages |
| Additional Medicare | 0.9% | Wages above $200,000 |
The minimum wage in California for 2026 is $16.50/hour. At full-time hours (40 hours/week, 52 weeks), this equals approximately $34,320/year before taxes.
The median household income in California is approximately $91,000, based on U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This is above the national median, reflecting California's relatively strong economy.
Starting a business in California requires filing Articles of Organization with the state. Here are the key costs:
| Item | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization Filing | $70 | One-time |
| Annual franchise tax (minimum) | $800 | Yearly |
| Registered Agent | $0 – $150/yr | Yearly |
Source: California Secretary of State.
Northwest Registered Agent handles all the paperwork for $39 + state fee. Includes free registered agent service for the first year, privacy protection, and compliance alerts.
Start My California LLCCalifornia has 9 income tax brackets with a top rate of 12.3% for the 2026 tax year (single filers).
California has a state sales tax rate of 7.25%. Local jurisdictions may add additional sales tax.
The minimum wage in California for 2026 is $16.50 per hour.
Filing an LLC in California costs $70 for the Articles of Organization. Annual franchise tax (minimum): $800.
The median household income in California is approximately $91,000, based on U.S. Census Bureau estimates.