Estimate your net pay per pay period in California after federal and state taxes, and common deductions. This calculator provides an estimate and should not be considered financial or tax advice.
Navigating your paycheck can sometimes feel like deciphering a complex code, especially with various federal and state taxes, and deductions. This California Paycheck Calculator aims to demystify the process, providing an estimate of your take-home pay.
Gross Pay vs. Net Pay
Your Gross Pay is the total amount of money you earn before any deductions or taxes are taken out. This is often the salary or hourly wage you agree upon with your employer. Net Pay, on the other hand, is the amount you actually receive after all deductions and taxes have been subtracted. This is your "take-home" pay.
Key Deductions and Taxes
Several mandatory and optional deductions impact your net pay:
Federal Income Tax (FIT): This is a progressive tax levied by the U.S. government. The amount withheld depends on your gross income, filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household), and the number of allowances you claim on your W-4 form. More allowances generally mean less tax withheld, but you risk owing tax at the end of the year if you claim too many.
Social Security Tax (OASDI): This funds retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. Employees typically pay 6.2% of their gross wages up to an annual wage base limit (which changes annually). For 2024, the wage base limit is $168,600.
Medicare Tax (HI): This funds hospital insurance for the elderly and disabled. Employees typically pay 1.45% of all gross wages, with no wage base limit. An additional Medicare tax of 0.9% may apply to high earners (over $200,000 for single filers, $250,000 for married filing jointly), which this calculator does not include for simplicity.
California State Income Tax (CA PIT): California has a progressive state income tax system. Similar to federal tax, the amount withheld depends on your gross income, filing status, and the number of allowances claimed on your DE 4 form.
California State Disability Insurance (CA SDI): This program provides partial wage replacement benefits to eligible workers who are unable to work due to a non-work-related illness or injury, or a pregnancy. Employees pay a percentage of their gross wages up to an annual wage base limit. For 2024, the rate is 0.9% and the wage base limit is $164,609.
Pre-tax Deductions: These are deductions taken from your gross pay *before* taxes are calculated. Common examples include contributions to a 401(k) or 403(b) retirement plan, health insurance premiums, and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) contributions. These deductions reduce your taxable income, leading to lower tax liabilities.
Post-tax Deductions: These are deductions taken from your pay *after* taxes have been calculated. Examples include Roth 401(k) contributions, union dues, or certain charitable contributions. While they don't reduce your taxable income, they still reduce your net pay.
How Pay Frequency Affects Your Paycheck
Your pay frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly) determines how often you receive a paycheck and how your annual income is divided. While your annual gross pay remains the same, the amount you receive per pay period will differ. For instance, if you're paid bi-weekly, you'll receive 26 paychecks a year, whereas semi-monthly means 24 paychecks. This calculator annualizes your gross pay to accurately apply annual tax brackets and limits, then divides the total annual tax back into per-period amounts.
Important Considerations
This calculator provides an estimate. Actual withholdings can vary based on specific employer benefits, additional local taxes (though less common in CA), and the exact withholding tables used by your payroll provider. The tax brackets and allowance values used are based on 2024 figures and are simplified for calculator purposes. It's always a good idea to review your pay stubs regularly and consult with a tax professional for personalized advice.
.calculator-container {
font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif;
background-color: #f9f9f9;
padding: 20px;
border-radius: 8px;
box-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);
max-width: 700px;
margin: 20px auto;
color: #333;
}
.calculator-container h2, .calculator-container h3 {
color: #0056b3;
text-align: center;
margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.calculator-container h3 {
margin-top: 25px;
border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;
padding-bottom: 5px;
}
.calc-input-group {
margin-bottom: 15px;
display: flex;
flex-direction: column;
}
.calc-input-group label {
margin-bottom: 5px;
font-weight: bold;
color: #555;
}
.calc-input-group input[type="number"],
.calc-input-group select {
padding: 10px;
border: 1px solid #ddd;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 16px;
width: 100%;
box-sizing: border-box;
}
.calc-input-group input[type="number"]:focus,
.calc-input-group select:focus {
border-color: #007bff;
outline: none;
box-shadow: 0 0 5px rgba(0,123,255,0.2);
}
button {
background-color: #28a745;
color: white;
padding: 12px 20px;
border: none;
border-radius: 4px;
cursor: pointer;
font-size: 18px;
width: 100%;
box-sizing: border-box;
transition: background-color 0.3s ease;
margin-top: 20px;
}
button:hover {
background-color: #218838;
}
.calculator-result {
background-color: #e9f7ef;
border: 1px solid #d4edda;
border-radius: 4px;
padding: 15px;
margin-top: 25px;
font-size: 1.1em;
color: #155724;
}
.calculator-result p {
margin: 5px 0;
}
.calculator-result strong {
color: #004085;
}
.calculator-article {
margin-top: 30px;
padding-top: 20px;
border-top: 1px solid #eee;
}
.calculator-article h4 {
color: #0056b3;
margin-top: 20px;
margin-bottom: 10px;
}
.calculator-article p, .calculator-article ul {
line-height: 1.6;
margin-bottom: 10px;
}
.calculator-article ul {
list-style-type: disc;
margin-left: 20px;
}
function getPeriodsPerYear(payFrequency) {
switch (payFrequency) {
case 'weekly': return 52;
case 'biweekly': return 26;
case 'semimonthly': return 24;
case 'monthly': return 12;
default: return 26; // Default to bi-weekly
}
}
// Simplified Federal Tax Calculation (2024 Brackets & Allowance Value)
// This is an approximation for calculator purposes. Real payroll uses IRS Pub 15-T.
function calculateFederalTax(annualTaxableIncome, federalFilingStatus, federalAllowances) {
var federalAllowanceValue = 4700; // Approximate value per allowance for 2024 W-4 adjustments
var adjustedTaxableIncome = annualTaxableIncome – (federalAllowances * federalAllowanceValue);
if (adjustedTaxableIncome < 0) adjustedTaxableIncome = 0;
var tax = 0;
var brackets;
switch (federalFilingStatus) {
case 'single':
brackets = [
{ limit: 11600, rate: 0.10 },
{ limit: 47150, rate: 0.12 },
{ limit: 100525, rate: 0.22 },
{ limit: 191950, rate: 0.24 },
{ limit: 243725, rate: 0.32 },
{ limit: 609350, rate: 0.35 },
{ limit: Infinity, rate: 0.37 }
];
break;
case 'married_jointly':
brackets = [
{ limit: 23200, rate: 0.10 },
{ limit: 94300, rate: 0.12 },
{ limit: 201050, rate: 0.22 },
{ limit: 383900, rate: 0.24 },
{ limit: 487450, rate: 0.32 },
{ limit: 731200, rate: 0.35 },
{ limit: Infinity, rate: 0.37 }
];
break;
case 'head_of_household':
brackets = [
{ limit: 16550, rate: 0.10 },
{ limit: 63100, rate: 0.12 },
{ limit: 100500, rate: 0.22 },
{ limit: 191950, rate: 0.24 },
{ limit: 243700, rate: 0.32 },
{ limit: 609350, rate: 0.35 },
{ limit: Infinity, rate: 0.37 }
];
break;
default:
return 0;
}
var previousLimit = 0;
for (var i = 0; i previousLimit) {
var taxableInBracket = Math.min(adjustedTaxableIncome, bracket.limit) – previousLimit;
tax += taxableInBracket * bracket.rate;
}
previousLimit = bracket.limit;
if (adjustedTaxableIncome <= bracket.limit) {
break;
}
}
return tax;
}
// Simplified California State Tax Calculation (2024 Brackets)
// This is an approximation for calculator purposes. Real payroll uses EDD Pub DE 44.
function calculateCaliforniaTax(annualTaxableIncome, stateFilingStatus, stateAllowances) {
var caAllowanceValue = 146.70; // Value per allowance for 2024
var adjustedTaxableIncome = annualTaxableIncome – (stateAllowances * caAllowanceValue);
if (adjustedTaxableIncome < 0) adjustedTaxableIncome = 0;
var tax = 0;
var brackets;
switch (stateFilingStatus) {
case 'single':
brackets = [
{ limit: 10492, rate: 0.0110 },
{ limit: 24854, rate: 0.0220 },
{ limit: 39216, rate: 0.0440 },
{ limit: 54341, rate: 0.0660 },
{ limit: 68698, rate: 0.0880 },
{ limit: 349133, rate: 0.1023 },
{ limit: 418959, rate: 0.1133 },
{ limit: 700000, rate: 0.1233 }, // This bracket includes the 1% mental health surcharge for income over $1,000,000, simplified here.
{ limit: Infinity, rate: 0.1333 } // For income over $1,000,000
];
break;
case 'married_jointly':
// Married Filing Jointly brackets are generally double the single brackets
brackets = [
{ limit: 20984, rate: 0.0110 },
{ limit: 49708, rate: 0.0220 },
{ limit: 78432, rate: 0.0440 },
{ limit: 108682, rate: 0.0660 },
{ limit: 137396, rate: 0.0880 },
{ limit: 698266, rate: 0.1023 },
{ limit: 837918, rate: 0.1133 },
{ limit: 1000000, rate: 0.1233 }, // Simplified for $1M, actual is $1,400,000 for 12.33%
{ limit: Infinity, rate: 0.1333 } // For income over $1,000,000
];
break;
case 'head_of_household':
// Head of Household brackets are distinct in CA. Using 2024 values.
brackets = [
{ limit: 24870, rate: 0.0110 },
{ limit: 59000, rate: 0.0220 },
{ limit: 73360, rate: 0.0440 },
{ limit: 88480, rate: 0.0660 },
{ limit: 102840, rate: 0.0880 },
{ limit: 420000, rate: 0.1023 },
{ limit: 504000, rate: 0.1133 },
{ limit: 700000, rate: 0.1233 }, // Simplified for $1M, actual is $1,000,000 for 12.33%
{ limit: Infinity, rate: 0.1333 } // For income over $1,000,000
];
break;
default:
return 0;
}
var previousLimit = 0;
for (var i = 0; i previousLimit) {
var taxableInBracket = Math.min(adjustedTaxableIncome, bracket.limit) – previousLimit;
tax += taxableInBracket * bracket.rate;
}
previousLimit = bracket.limit;
if (adjustedTaxableIncome <= bracket.limit) {
break;
}
}
return tax;
}
function calculatePaycheck() {
// Get input values
var grossPayPerPeriod = parseFloat(document.getElementById('grossPay').value);
var payFrequency = document.getElementById('payFrequency').value;
var federalFilingStatus = document.getElementById('federalFilingStatus').value;
var federalAllowances = parseInt(document.getElementById('federalAllowances').value);
var stateFilingStatus = document.getElementById('stateFilingStatus').value;
var stateAllowances = parseInt(document.getElementById('stateAllowances').value);
var preTaxDeductionsPerPeriod = parseFloat(document.getElementById('preTaxDeductions').value);
var postTaxDeductionsPerPeriod = parseFloat(document.getElementById('postTaxDeductions').value);
// Validate inputs
if (isNaN(grossPayPerPeriod) || grossPayPerPeriod < 0 ||
isNaN(federalAllowances) || federalAllowances < 0 ||
isNaN(stateAllowances) || stateAllowances < 0 ||
isNaN(preTaxDeductionsPerPeriod) || preTaxDeductionsPerPeriod < 0 ||
isNaN(postTaxDeductionsPerPeriod) || postTaxDeductionsPerPeriod < 0) {
document.getElementById('result').innerHTML = 'Please enter valid positive numbers for all fields.';
return;
}
var periodsPerYear = getPeriodsPerYear(payFrequency);
// Annualize values for tax calculations
var annualGrossPay = grossPayPerPeriod * periodsPerYear;
var annualPreTaxDeductions = preTaxDeductionsPerPeriod * periodsPerYear;
// 1. Calculate Taxable Gross for Federal and State
var federalTaxableGrossAnnual = annualGrossPay – annualPreTaxDeductions;
var stateTaxableGrossAnnual = annualGrossPay – annualPreTaxDeductions;
// 2. Federal Income Tax (FIT)
var annualFederalTax = calculateFederalTax(federalTaxableGrossAnnual, federalFilingStatus, federalAllowances);
var federalTaxPerPeriod = annualFederalTax / periodsPerYear;
// 3. Social Security Tax (OASDI)
var oasdiRate = 0.062;
var oasdiLimitAnnual = 168600; // 2024 limit
var annualGrossForOasdi = annualGrossPay; // OASDI is on gross, not taxable gross
var oasdiTaxAnnual = Math.min(annualGrossForOasdi, oasdiLimitAnnual) * oasdiRate;
var oasdiTaxPerPeriod = oasdiTaxAnnual / periodsPerYear;
// 4. Medicare Tax (HI)
var hiRate = 0.0145;
var hiTaxPerPeriod = grossPayPerPeriod * hiRate; // Medicare has no wage limit
// 5. California State Income Tax (CA PIT)
var annualCaliforniaTax = calculateCaliforniaTax(stateTaxableGrossAnnual, stateFilingStatus, stateAllowances);
var caStateTaxPerPeriod = annualCaliforniaTax / periodsPerYear;
// 6. California State Disability Insurance (CA SDI)
var sdiRate = 0.009; // 0.9% for 2024
var sdiLimitAnnual = 164609; // 2024 limit
var annualGrossForSdi = annualGrossPay; // SDI is on gross, not taxable gross
var sdiTaxAnnual = Math.min(annualGrossForSdi, sdiLimitAnnual) * sdiRate;
var sdiTaxPerPeriod = sdiTaxAnnual / periodsPerYear;
// 7. Total Deductions and Net Pay
var totalTaxesPerPeriod = federalTaxPerPeriod + oasdiTaxPerPeriod + hiTaxPerPeriod + caStateTaxPerPeriod + sdiTaxPerPeriod;
var totalDeductionsPerPeriod = preTaxDeductionsPerPeriod + postTaxDeductionsPerPeriod + totalTaxesPerPeriod;
var netPayPerPeriod = grossPayPerPeriod – totalDeductionsPerPeriod;
// Display results
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('result');
resultDiv.innerHTML = `
Your Estimated Paycheck
Gross Pay per Period: $${grossPayPerPeriod.toFixed(2)}
Pre-tax Deductions: $${preTaxDeductionsPerPeriod.toFixed(2)}
Federal Income Tax: $${federalTaxPerPeriod.toFixed(2)}
Social Security Tax (OASDI): $${oasdiTaxPerPeriod.toFixed(2)}
Medicare Tax (HI): $${hiTaxPerPeriod.toFixed(2)}
California State Income Tax: $${caStateTaxPerPeriod.toFixed(2)}
California SDI Tax: $${sdiTaxPerPeriod.toFixed(2)}
Post-tax Deductions: $${postTaxDeductionsPerPeriod.toFixed(2)}
Total Taxes & Deductions: $${totalDeductionsPerPeriod.toFixed(2)}
Estimated Net Pay per Period:$${netPayPerPeriod.toFixed(2)}
`;
}