California Net Salary Calculator
Calculate your take-home pay in California after federal, state, and FICA taxes
Calculate your take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes with accurate 2024 tax rates.
Calculate Your Net Salary
Interactive Charts
Enter your salary details to see detailed tax breakdowns and visualizations
How Your Take-Home Pay is Calculated
Understanding how your paycheck is calculated is key to managing your finances. Our US paycheck calculator estimates your take-home pay after federal income taxes, state taxes, FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare), retirement contributions, and potential dependent tax credits.
Federal Income Taxes
Federal income tax is based on your taxable income and filing status, following progressive tax brackets. Standard deductions reduce your taxable income before calculating tax owed. Our calculator uses the latest IRS tax brackets for 2025 to ensure accurate estimates.
FICA Taxes
FICA taxes fund Social Security and Medicare programs. You pay 6.2% toward Social Security and 1.45% toward Medicare on most earnings. High earners may pay an additional Medicare surtax.
State Income Taxes
State income taxes vary widely. Some states, like Texas and Florida, have no state income tax, while others apply progressive or flat-rate taxes. Our paycheck calculator factors in your state's tax rate to estimate your net salary accurately.
401(k) and Retirement Contributions
Contributions to retirement accounts like 401(k) plans are deducted from your gross income before federal and most state taxes are calculated. Increasing your 401(k) contributions can lower your taxable income and boost long-term savings.
Dependent Tax Credits
Claiming dependents may qualify you for valuable tax credits, such as the Child Tax Credit. Each dependent can potentially reduce your overall tax liability, increasing your take-home pay.
Use this paycheck calculator to better plan your budget, retirement savings, and tax strategies based on your gross salary, filing status, location, and financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is take-home pay calculated?
Take-home pay is calculated by subtracting federal income tax, state tax (if applicable), FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare), and retirement contributions like 401(k) plans from your gross salary. Our calculator estimates your net pay based on the latest IRS brackets and your state tax rates.
What are FICA taxes?
FICA taxes include Social Security and Medicare taxes. Employees pay 6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare on their earnings. High earners may also owe an additional Medicare surtax of 0.9%.
Do 401(k) contributions reduce my taxable income?
Yes. Traditional 401(k) contributions are made pre-tax, reducing your taxable income and lowering the amount of federal and, often, state taxes you owe.
How do dependents affect my paycheck?
Claiming dependents may make you eligible for tax credits such as the Child Tax Credit. These credits directly reduce the amount of tax you owe, potentially increasing your take-home pay.
Which states have no income tax?
As of 2025, states without income tax include Texas, Florida, Washington, Nevada, South Dakota, Wyoming, Alaska, and Tennessee. Residents in these states only pay federal and FICA taxes on their earnings.
What filing status should I select?
Your filing status determines your standard deduction and tax brackets. Common statuses include Single, Married Filing Jointly, and Head of Household. Selecting the correct status ensures accurate tax estimates.
Are bonuses taxed differently?
Bonuses are considered supplemental income and may be taxed at a flat federal rate (typically 22%) or combined with your regular income depending on how your employer withholds taxes. You can estimate your bonus after-tax using our Bonus Calculator.
How accurate is the paycheck calculator?
Our paycheck calculator provides an estimate based on current IRS and state tax rates. It does not account for all possible deductions, credits, or special circumstances. For personalized advice, consult a tax professional.
Region Selector
Currently Selected
No region selected yet
Change Region
Search or browse to select a different region. You'll be redirected to the same calculator for the new region.