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State Tax Guide 2026
California Income Tax
California has the highest state income tax rate in the nation at 13.3%on income over $1 million. With 9 progressive brackets, most middle-income earners pay between 6%–9.3%. Here's everything you need for 2026.
13.3%
Top Rate
1%
Bottom Rate
Progressive
Tax Type
1.1%
SDI Rate
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2026 California Tax Brackets — Single Filers
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $10,756 | 1% |
| $10,756 – $25,499 | 2% |
| $25,499 – $40,245 | 4% |
| $40,245 – $55,866 | 6% |
| $55,866 – $70,606 | 8% |
| $70,606 – $360,659 | 9.3% |
| $360,659 – $432,787 | 10.3% |
| $432,787 – $721,314 | 11.3% |
| $721,314 – $1,000,000 | 12.3% |
| $1,000,000 – — | 13.3% |
2026 California Tax Brackets — Married Filing Jointly
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $21,512 | 1% |
| $21,512 – $50,998 | 2% |
| $50,998 – $80,490 | 4% |
| $80,490 – $111,732 | 6% |
| $111,732 – $141,212 | 8% |
| $141,212 – $721,318 | 9.3% |
| $721,318 – $865,574 | 10.3% |
| $865,574 – $1,000,000 | 11.3% |
| $1,000,000 – $1,442,628 | 12.3% |
| $1,442,628 – — | 13.3% |
California Standard Deduction 2026
$5,363
Single / Married Filing Separately
$10,726
Married Filing Jointly / Head of Household
Note:California's standard deduction is much lower than the federal standard deduction ($15,000 single / $30,000 MFJ for 2026). Many CA taxpayers who take the federal standard deduction still itemize on their state return.
Key California Deductions & Credits
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Personal Exemption Credit
$144 for single filers, $288 for MFJ (2026 est.)
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Dependent Exemption Credit
$433 per dependent claimed on your return
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Renter's Credit
$60 (single) or $120 (MFJ) — non-refundable, income-limited
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Child & Dependent Care Credit
Up to $1,176 per qualifying person (15% of federal credit)
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Young Child Tax Credit
$1,117 per child under age 6 (refundable, income-phased out)
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California EITC
Refundable credit — up to $3,529 for qualifying low-income earners
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SDI (State Disability Insurance)
1.1% on all wages — no wage cap since 2024
California vs. Federal Tax: Key Differences
| Item | California | Federal 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Deduction (Single) | $5,363 | $15,000 |
| Standard Deduction (MFJ) | $10,726 | $30,000 |
| Capital Gains Rate | Same as ordinary income | 0% / 15% / 20% |
| 401(k) Deduction | Follows federal | Up to $23,500 |
| SALT Deduction | Not applicable | Capped $10,000 (federal) |
| Social Security Tax | Not taxed by CA | Up to 85% taxable |
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