California Paycheck Breakdown Calculator
Get a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of your California paycheck with interactive charts showing exactly where every dollar goes in 2025.
Paycheck Breakdown Calculator
Enter your salary information to see a detailed breakdown of your paycheck
2025 California Tax Rates & Deductions
Federal Income Tax Brackets (2025)
| Tax Rate | Single Filers | Married Filing Jointly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 - $11,600 | $0 - $23,200 |
| 12% | $11,601 - $47,150 | $23,201 - $94,300 |
| 22% | $47,151 - $100,525 | $94,301 - $201,050 |
| 24% | $100,526 - $191,950 | $201,051 - $383,900 |
| 32% | $191,951 - $243,725 | $383,901 - $487,450 |
| 35% | $243,726 - $609,350 | $487,451 - $731,200 |
| 37% | $609,351+ | $731,201+ |
California State Tax Brackets (2025)
| Tax Rate | Single Filers | Married Filing Jointly |
|---|---|---|
| 1% | $0 - $10,099 | $0 - $20,198 |
| 2% | $10,100 - $23,942 | $20,199 - $47,884 |
| 4% | $23,943 - $37,788 | $47,885 - $75,576 |
| 6% | $37,789 - $52,455 | $75,577 - $104,910 |
| 8% | $52,456 - $66,295 | $104,911 - $132,590 |
| 9.3% | $66,296 - $338,639 | $132,591 - $677,278 |
| 10.3% | $338,640 - $406,364 | $677,279 - $812,728 |
| 11.3% | $406,365 - $677,278 | $812,729 - $1,354,556 |
| 12.3% | $677,279 - $1,000,000 | $1,354,557 - $2,000,000 |
| 13.3%* | $1,000,001+ | $2,000,001+ |
*Includes 1% Mental Health Services Tax
Standard Deductions (2025)
Federal Standard Deduction
- Single: $14,600
- Married Filing Jointly: $29,200
- Head of Household: $21,900
California Standard Deduction
- Single: $5,202
- Married Filing Jointly: $10,404
- Head of Household: $10,726
Pre-Tax Deduction Limits (2025)
- 401(k): $23,500 ($31,000 age 50+)
- HSA Individual: $4,300
- HSA Family: $8,550
- Dependent Care FSA: $5,000
California Specific Deductions
- CA SDI: 0.9% up to $176,069
- CA State Tax: 1% - 13.3%
- CA Paid Family Leave: Included in SDI
- Local taxes may apply
Payroll Tax Rates (2025)
| Tax Type | Rate | Wage Base | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security | 6.2% | $168,600 | Employee portion |
| Medicare | 1.45% | No limit | Employee portion |
| Additional Medicare | 0.9% | $200,000+ | High earners only |
| CA State Disability (SDI) | 0.9% | $168,600 | California only |
Tax Optimization Strategies
401(k) Contribution Limits
Maximize pre-tax retirement contributions to reduce current taxable income.
• Employee: $23,500
• Age 50+ catch-up: $7,500
• Total with employer match: $70,000
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Triple tax advantage: deductible contributions, tax-free growth, tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses.
• Individual: $4,300
• Family: $8,550
• Age 55+ catch-up: $1,000
W-4 Withholding Optimization
Adjust federal and state withholdings to avoid large refunds or tax bills.
• Target owing $0-$1,000
• Review after major life changes
• Use IRS withholding calculator
Commuter Benefits
Pre-tax transportation benefits reduce taxable income for work-related commuting.
• Transit passes: $315/month
• Parking: $315/month
• Combined maximum: $630/month
Frequently Asked Questions About Paycheck Breakdown
Our calculator uses the most current 2025 federal and California tax rates, including all standard deductions and payroll taxes. Results are estimates and may vary based on specific circumstances like additional deductions, exemptions, or local taxes.
The calculator includes federal income tax, California state tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), California SDI (0.9%), and any pre-tax deductions you specify like 401(k) contributions, health insurance, and HSA contributions.
Differences can occur due to employer-specific deductions (union dues, parking, life insurance), local taxes, different withholding elections on your W-4, or timing differences in payroll processing. The calculator provides standard estimates.
Review your breakdown annually during tax season, after salary changes, major life events (marriage, children), or when tax laws change. This helps optimize your withholdings and avoid surprises at tax time.
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates based on 2025 tax rates and should not be relied upon for exact tax calculations. Tax situations vary by individual circumstances. Consult a qualified tax professional for specific advice regarding your situation.