California department of revenue individual income tax

California is a high-tax state, with some of the steepest sales tax, personal income tax and corporate tax rates in the United States.

California department of revenue individual income tax

The California Tax Foundation publication “California Tax Facts: An Overview of the Golden State’s Tax Structure,” provides a comprehensive look at personal and business income taxes, sales and use taxes, property taxes, and other key sources of revenue.

For businesses seeking to create jobs for Californians by locating or expanding in the state, taxes can be a major obstacle. According to studies that provide federal rankings, California has the second-worst state business tax climate in the United States.

State Sales Tax: Highest in the Nation

California levies a 7.25 percent general sales and use tax, which is the highest statewide rate in the nation. Local governments are permitted to levy additional sales and use taxes, and the combined rate of the additional local taxes should not exceed 2 percent. However, some local governments have been given special dispensation to go above this cap. Click here for the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration’s detailed description of the statewide sales and use tax rate, and here for information on additional city and county sales tax rates.

Taxes on Manufacturing Equipment: More Expensive to Make Products in California

California imposes state and local sales tax on manufacturing equipment, at rates above 10 percent in many areas of the state, with only a partial, limited exemption available for manufacturers that meet specific qualifications (the purchaser must be engaged in a specific type of business, and the equipment must meet state requirements and be used in specific ways). This partial, limited exemption is scheduled to expire July 1, 2030, which further reduces its usefulness. In 38 other states that impose sales tax, manufacturing equipment is not subject to the tax, and five other states do not impose any sales tax. Those 43 states have a major competitive advantage over California when manufacturers are deciding where to launch or expand operations (and hire employees to operate the equipment and perform other functions).

Gasoline Tax: Highest in the Nation

Californians pay an additional 70.95 cents per gallon at the pump attributable to state and local taxes and fees, which is the highest in the nation. California’s state excise on gasoline is 53.9 cents per gallon (as of July 1, 2022). According to the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office, California’s cap-and-trade auction increases the price of gasoline by an additional 23 cents per gallon. The federal excise tax on gasoline adds another 18.4 cents per gallon to the cost at the pump.

Personal Income Tax: Highest in the Nation

California’s personal income tax has the highest top rate and one of the most highly progressive structures in the nation. California’s top rate is 13.3 percent (including the 1 percent surcharge for mental health programs, for all personal income taxpayers with taxable income over $1 million). Hawaii is second, with a top rate of 11 percent. Most small businesses are S Corporations, partnerships, or sole proprietorships, and pay their business taxes at the rates for individuals, which makes California’s taxes on small businesses some of the most burdensome in the nation. Seven states do not impose a personal income tax.

Corporate Income Tax: Highest in the West

Those looking to expand or establish a business in California may resort to neighboring states, as California has the highest corporate tax rate in the Western U.S. at 8.84 percent. Only seven states have a higher top corporate tax rate than California (Alaska, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania).

Property Tax: High, Even Under Proposition 13

California’s high property values lead to high property taxes, even under Proposition 13, the 1978 voter-approved initiative that limits property taxes. Many California property owners also are required to pay costly parcel taxes. These are annual property taxes (not based upon the value of the property) imposed by many school districts, special districts and other jurisdictions.

California Business Corporate Tax, California Personal Income Tax, California Sales Tax Rates

What is the California corporate net income tax rate?

8.84% for non financial California corporations.

What are the California personal net income tax rates?

0-7,168:   1.25%
7,168-16,994:   2.25%
16,994-26,821:   4.25%
26,821-37,233:   6.25%
37,233-47,055:   8.25%
47,055-1 Million:   9.55%
1,000,000 + :   10.55%

S corporations are also required to pay 1.5% tax on the net income even though they have opted to pay the income tax personally. California is the only state that goes completely against the entire point of having an S corporation election with the IRS. As you can see, you’ll reach a point around 35,000 to 47,000 of net taxable income, where it would actually be cheaper to have a C corporation and pay the 8.84% Corporation tax, and thus keep your name totally off of the tax return. That doesn’t make a whole lot of sense does it…

If you have a California LLC and are taxed as a disregarded entity, you can avoid the 1.5% S corporation California tax, but then if you’re still around the $35,000 taxable income level, you’ll miss out on saving about 15% on what you could pay yourself in dividends.

What is the average California sales tax rate?

9.06%. The state has a 8.25% tax, but the average local tax is .81% making a total of 9.06%

Are there standard deductions?

Single:  $3,692
Joint:  $7,384

Are there personal exemptions?

Single:  $99
Dependents:  $309

What forms do you file for your California taxes?

CA C corporations:   Form 100
S corporations in California:  Form 100S, and Schedule K1
Partnerships:  Form 565
Individual:  Form 540 for resident, and 540NR for non resident

Learn more about nonprofits in California.

Estimated tax payments?

Form 540ES. California follows the IRS standards for estimated payments. If you will owe $500 or more in tax for the current year, you are required to make 90% of the tax due, over quarterly payments. It has to be at least 100% of the previous year, even if you think you won’t make as much in the current year.

New residents are not required to make estimated payments.

Avoid CA Franchise Tax
California franchise tax exemption

California Department of Revenue:

California Franchise Tax Board
PO Box 1468
Sacramento, CA 65812
Telephone: 800-338-0505
Website: California Franchise Tax Board Homepage

If you use Northwest Registered Agent as your new California businesses for only $100.

Does California have an individual income tax?

The state of California requires you to pay taxes if you are a resident or nonresident that receives income from a California source. The state income tax rates range from 1% to 12.3%, and the sales tax rate is 7.25% to 10.75%.

How do I contact California state taxes?

State Income Tax Customer service phone numbers: Tax information/Refund/Forms: 1-800-338-0505. Other assistance: 1-800-852-5711.

What is the individual income tax rate in California?

California state tax rates are 1%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 9.3%, 10.3%, 11.3% and 12.3%. A 1% mental health services tax applies to income exceeding $1 million. California state tax brackets and income tax rates depend on taxable income and filing status. Residency status also determines what's taxable.

What are the California tax brackets for 2022?

California has nine tax brackets: 1%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 9.3%, 10.3%, 11.3% and 12.3%. Here are the rates and brackets for the 2021 tax year, which you'll file in 2022, via the California Franchise Tax Board. The standard deduction in California is $4,803 for single filers and $9,606 for married households.