Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on simplified 2024 tax data and common assumptions. It is not financial or tax advice. Actual take-home pay may vary due to specific tax situations, additional deductions, and changes in tax laws. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice.
function calculateTakeHomePay() {
// Get input values
var grossAnnualSalary = parseFloat(document.getElementById("grossAnnualSalary").value);
var payFrequencyMultiplier = parseFloat(document.getElementById("payFrequency").value);
var federalFilingStatus = document.getElementById("federalFilingStatus").value;
var federalDependents = parseInt(document.getElementById("federalDependents").value);
var stateFilingStatus = document.getElementById("stateFilingStatus").value;
var stateAllowances = parseInt(document.getElementById("stateAllowances").value);
var preTaxDeductionsAnnual = parseFloat(document.getElementById("preTaxDeductionsAnnual").value);
var postTaxDeductionsAnnual = parseFloat(document.getElementById("postTaxDeductionsAnnual").value);
// Validate inputs
if (isNaN(grossAnnualSalary) || grossAnnualSalary < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid Gross Annual Salary.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(federalDependents) || federalDependents < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid number of Federal Dependents.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(stateAllowances) || stateAllowances < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid number of California Allowances.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(preTaxDeductionsAnnual) || preTaxDeductionsAnnual < 0) {
alert("Please enter valid Pre-Tax Deductions.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(postTaxDeductionsAnnual) || postTaxDeductionsAnnual additionalMedicareThreshold) {
medicareAnnual += (grossAnnualSalary – additionalMedicareThreshold) * additionalMedicareRate;
}
// 2. California SDI (State Disability Insurance)
var sdiLimit = 164609; // 2024 limit
var sdiRate = 0.011;
var sdiAnnual = Math.min(grossAnnualSalary, sdiLimit) * sdiRate;
// 3. Federal Income Tax
var federalStandardDeduction;
var federalDependentCredit = 2000; // Simplified credit per qualifying child
if (federalFilingStatus === "single") {
federalStandardDeduction = 14600;
} else if (federalFilingStatus === "married") {
federalStandardDeduction = 29200;
} else if (federalFilingStatus === "hoh") {
federalStandardDeduction = 21900;
}
var federalTaxableIncome = grossAnnualSalary – preTaxDeductionsAnnual – federalStandardDeduction;
federalTaxableIncome = Math.max(0, federalTaxableIncome); // Cannot be negative
var federalIncomeTaxAnnual = 0;
// Simplified 2024 Federal Tax Brackets (approximate for calculator)
// This is a simplified progressive calculation, not perfectly accurate for all edge cases.
if (federalFilingStatus === "single" || federalFilingStatus === "hoh") { // Using single brackets for HOH for simplicity
if (federalTaxableIncome <= 11600) {
federalIncomeTaxAnnual = federalTaxableIncome * 0.10;
} else if (federalTaxableIncome <= 47150) {
federalIncomeTaxAnnual = 1160 + (federalTaxableIncome – 11600) * 0.12;
} else if (federalTaxableIncome <= 100525) {
federalIncomeTaxAnnual = 5426 + (federalTaxableIncome – 47150) * 0.22;
} else if (federalTaxableIncome <= 191950) {
federalIncomeTaxAnnual = 17168.50 + (federalTaxableIncome – 100525) * 0.24;
} else if (federalTaxableIncome <= 243725) {
federalIncomeTaxAnnual = 39115 + (federalTaxableIncome – 191950) * 0.32;
} else if (federalTaxableIncome <= 609350) {
federalIncomeTaxAnnual = 55678 + (federalTaxableIncome – 243725) * 0.35;
} else {
federalIncomeTaxAnnual = 183647.25 + (federalTaxableIncome – 609350) * 0.37;
}
} else if (federalFilingStatus === "married") {
if (federalTaxableIncome <= 23200) {
federalIncomeTaxAnnual = federalTaxableIncome * 0.10;
} else if (federalTaxableIncome <= 94300) {
federalIncomeTaxAnnual = 2320 + (federalTaxableIncome – 23200) * 0.12;
} else if (federalTaxableIncome <= 201050) {
federalIncomeTaxAnnual = 10852 + (federalTaxableIncome – 94300) * 0.22;
} else if (federalTaxableIncome <= 383900) {
federalIncomeTaxAnnual = 34337 + (federalTaxableIncome – 201050) * 0.24;
} else if (federalTaxableIncome <= 487450) {
federalIncomeTaxAnnual = 78230 + (federalTaxableIncome – 383900) * 0.32;
} else if (federalTaxableIncome <= 731200) {
federalIncomeTaxAnnual = 111356 + (federalTaxableIncome – 487450) * 0.35;
} else {
federalIncomeTaxAnnual = 195853.50 + (federalTaxableIncome – 731200) * 0.37;
}
}
// Apply federal dependent credit
federalIncomeTaxAnnual -= (federalDependents * federalDependentCredit);
federalIncomeTaxAnnual = Math.max(0, federalIncomeTaxAnnual); // Tax cannot be negative
// 4. California State Income Tax
var californiaStandardDeduction;
var californiaAllowanceCredit = 144.30; // 2024 value per allowance
if (stateFilingStatus === "single") {
californiaStandardDeduction = 5302;
} else if (stateFilingStatus === "married") {
californiaStandardDeduction = 10604;
} else if (stateFilingStatus === "hoh") {
californiaStandardDeduction = 10604; // HOH uses same as married for standard deduction in this simplified calc
}
var californiaTaxableIncome = grossAnnualSalary – preTaxDeductionsAnnual – californiaStandardDeduction;
californiaTaxableIncome = Math.max(0, californiaTaxableIncome); // Cannot be negative
var californiaIncomeTaxAnnual = 0;
// Simplified 2024 California Tax Brackets (approximate for calculator)
// This is a simplified progressive calculation, not perfectly accurate for all edge cases.
if (stateFilingStatus === "single") {
if (californiaTaxableIncome <= 10412) {
californiaIncomeTaxAnnual = californiaTaxableIncome * 0.01;
} else if (californiaTaxableIncome <= 24684) {
californiaIncomeTaxAnnual = 104.12 + (californiaTaxableIncome – 10412) * 0.02;
} else if (californiaTaxableIncome <= 38959) {
californiaIncomeTaxAnnual = 390.00 + (californiaTaxableIncome – 24684) * 0.04;
} else if (californiaTaxableIncome <= 54081) {
californiaIncomeTaxAnnual = 950.00 + (californiaTaxableIncome – 38959) * 0.06;
} else if (californiaTaxableIncome <= 68350) {
californiaIncomeTaxAnnual = 1857.32 + (californiaTaxableIncome – 54081) * 0.08;
} else if (californiaTaxableIncome <= 348636) {
californiaIncomeTaxAnnual = 2999.52 + (californiaTaxableIncome – 68350) * 0.093;
} else if (californiaTaxableIncome <= 418361) {
californiaIncomeTaxAnnual = 29092.00 + (californiaTaxableIncome – 348636) * 0.103;
} else if (californiaTaxableIncome <= 697269) {
californiaIncomeTaxAnnual = 36299.00 + (californiaTaxableIncome – 418361) * 0.113;
} else if (californiaTaxableIncome <= 1000000) { // Added for 12.3% bracket
californiaIncomeTaxAnnual = 67900.00 + (californiaTaxableIncome – 697269) * 0.123;
} else { // Over 1M, 13.3% (includes mental health surcharge)
californiaIncomeTaxAnnual = 105000.00 + (californiaTaxableIncome – 1000000) * 0.133;
}
} else if (stateFilingStatus === "married" || stateFilingStatus === "hoh") { // Married/HOH brackets are generally double single
if (californiaTaxableIncome <= 20824) {
californiaIncomeTaxAnnual = californiaTaxableIncome * 0.01;
} else if (californiaTaxableIncome <= 49368) {
californiaIncomeTaxAnnual = 208.24 + (californiaTaxableIncome – 20824) * 0.02;
} else if (californiaTaxableIncome <= 77918) {
californiaIncomeTaxAnnual = 780.00 + (californiaTaxableIncome – 49368) * 0.04;
} else if (californiaTaxableIncome <= 108162) {
californiaIncomeTaxAnnual = 1900.00 + (californiaTaxableIncome – 77918) * 0.06;
} else if (californiaTaxableIncome <= 136700) {
californiaIncomeTaxAnnual = 3714.64 + (californiaTaxableIncome – 108162) * 0.08;
} else if (californiaTaxableIncome <= 697272) {
californiaIncomeTaxAnnual = 5999.04 + (californiaTaxableIncome – 136700) * 0.093;
} else if (californiaTaxableIncome <= 836722) {
californiaIncomeTaxAnnual = 58184.00 + (californiaTaxableIncome – 697272) * 0.103;
} else if (californiaTaxableIncome <= 1394538) {
californiaIncomeTaxAnnual = 72598.00 + (californiaTaxableIncome – 836722) * 0.113;
} else if (californiaTaxableIncome <= 2000000) { // Added for 12.3% bracket
californiaIncomeTaxAnnual = 135800.00 + (californiaTaxableIncome – 1394538) * 0.123;
} else { // Over 2M, 13.3% (includes mental health surcharge)
californiaIncomeTaxAnnual = 210000.00 + (californiaTaxableIncome – 2000000) * 0.133;
}
}
// Apply California allowance credit
californiaIncomeTaxAnnual -= (stateAllowances * californiaAllowanceCredit);
californiaIncomeTaxAnnual = Math.max(0, californiaIncomeTaxAnnual); // Tax cannot be negative
// Total Annual Deductions
var totalAnnualDeductions = socialSecurityAnnual + medicareAnnual + sdiAnnual +
federalIncomeTaxAnnual + californiaIncomeTaxAnnual +
preTaxDeductionsAnnual + postTaxDeductionsAnnual;
// Net Annual Pay
var netAnnualPay = grossAnnualSalary – totalAnnualDeductions;
// — Per Pay Period Calculations —
var grossPayPerPeriod = grossAnnualSalary / payFrequencyMultiplier;
var federalIncomeTaxPerPeriod = federalIncomeTaxAnnual / payFrequencyMultiplier;
var stateIncomeTaxPerPeriod = californiaIncomeTaxAnnual / payFrequencyMultiplier;
var socialSecurityPerPeriod = socialSecurityAnnual / payFrequencyMultiplier;
var medicarePerPeriod = medicareAnnual / payFrequencyMultiplier;
var sdiPerPeriod = sdiAnnual / payFrequencyMultiplier;
var preTaxDeductionsPerPeriod = preTaxDeductionsAnnual / payFrequencyMultiplier;
var postTaxDeductionsPerPeriod = postTaxDeductionsAnnual / payFrequencyMultiplier;
var totalDeductionsPerPeriod = totalAnnualDeductions / payFrequencyMultiplier;
var netTakeHomePayPerPeriod = netAnnualPay / payFrequencyMultiplier;
// Display results
document.getElementById("grossPayPerPeriod").innerText = "$" + grossPayPerPeriod.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById("federalIncomeTaxPerPeriod").innerText = "$" + federalIncomeTaxPerPeriod.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById("stateIncomeTaxPerPeriod").innerText = "$" + stateIncomeTaxPerPeriod.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById("socialSecurityPerPeriod").innerText = "$" + socialSecurityPerPeriod.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById("medicarePerPeriod").innerText = "$" + medicarePerPeriod.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById("sdiPerPeriod").innerText = "$" + sdiPerPeriod.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById("preTaxDeductionsPerPeriod").innerText = "$" + preTaxDeductionsPerPeriod.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById("postTaxDeductionsPerPeriod").innerText = "$" + postTaxDeductionsPerPeriod.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById("totalDeductionsPerPeriod").innerText = "$" + totalDeductionsPerPeriod.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById("netTakeHomePayPerPeriod").innerText = "$" + netTakeHomePayPerPeriod.toFixed(2);
}
// Run calculation on page load for initial display
window.onload = calculateTakeHomePay;
Understanding Your California Take-Home Pay
Navigating your paycheck can be complex, especially with various federal and state deductions. Our California Take-Home Pay Calculator helps you estimate how much you'll actually receive after all the necessary withholdings. This guide breaks down the key components that affect your net pay in California.
What is Take-Home Pay?
Take-home pay, also known as net pay, is the amount of money you receive in your bank account or as a physical check after all taxes, deductions, and contributions have been subtracted from your gross salary. It's your gross income minus federal income tax, state income tax, FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare), California State Disability Insurance (SDI), and any pre-tax or post-tax deductions.
Key Deductions Explained
1. Federal Income Tax
This is a mandatory tax levied by the U.S. government on your earnings. The amount withheld depends on several factors:
Gross Annual Salary: Higher income generally means higher tax.
Federal Filing Status: Your marital status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household) determines which tax brackets apply to you.
Number of Federal Dependents: Claiming dependents can reduce your taxable income or provide tax credits, lowering your overall federal tax liability.
Pre-Tax Deductions: Contributions to accounts like a 401(k) or health savings accounts (HSAs) reduce your taxable income, thereby lowering your federal income tax.
Federal income tax is calculated using a progressive tax system, meaning different portions of your income are taxed at different rates (tax brackets).
2. FICA Taxes (Social Security and Medicare)
The Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) funds Social Security and Medicare, which provide benefits for retirees, the disabled, and healthcare for seniors.
Social Security: As of 2024, employees contribute 6.2% of their earnings up to an annual wage base limit ($168,600). Earnings above this limit are not subject to Social Security tax.
Medicare: Employees contribute 1.45% of all earnings, with no wage base limit. An additional Medicare tax of 0.9% applies to earned income above certain thresholds ($200,000 for single filers, $250,000 for married filing jointly).
3. California State Income Tax
California has its own state income tax, which is also progressive. The amount withheld depends on:
Gross Annual Salary: Similar to federal tax, higher income means more state tax.
California Filing Status: Your marital status affects your state tax brackets.
Number of California Allowances: These allowances reduce the amount of income subject to state withholding. The more allowances you claim, the less tax is withheld from each paycheck, but you must ensure you don't under-withhold.
Pre-Tax Deductions: These also reduce your taxable income for state tax purposes.
4. California State Disability Insurance (SDI)
California is one of a few states that requires employees to contribute to a State Disability Insurance program. SDI provides temporary benefits to eligible workers who are unable to work due to non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy.
As of 2024, the SDI rate is 1.1% of your wages, up to an annual wage base limit ($164,609).
5. Pre-Tax Deductions
These are deductions taken from your gross pay before taxes are calculated. They reduce your taxable income for federal and state income tax purposes, which can lower your overall tax burden. Common pre-tax deductions include:
401(k) or 403(b) contributions
Health, dental, and vision insurance premiums
Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) contributions
6. Post-Tax Deductions
These deductions are taken from your pay after all taxes have been calculated and withheld. They do not reduce your taxable income. Examples include:
Roth 401(k) contributions
Union dues
Garnishments
Charitable contributions (if deducted from payroll)
How to Use the Calculator
Simply enter your gross annual salary, select your pay frequency, provide your federal and state withholding information (filing status, dependents, allowances), and input any annual pre-tax or post-tax deductions. The calculator will then provide an estimate of your gross pay, various deductions, and your final net take-home pay per pay period.
Example Calculation
Let's consider an example for a single individual in California:
Gross Annual Salary: $75,000
Pay Frequency: Bi-weekly (26 pay periods)
Federal Filing Status: Single
Federal Dependents: 0
California Filing Status: Single
California Allowances: 0
Pre-Tax Deductions (Annual 401k): $3,000
Post-Tax Deductions (Annual Union Dues): $200
Based on these inputs, the calculator would estimate:
Gross Pay (Bi-weekly): $2,884.62
Federal Income Tax (Bi-weekly): ~$250.00
State Income Tax (Bi-weekly): ~$80.00
Social Security (Bi-weekly): ~$178.85
Medicare (Bi-weekly): ~$41.83
California SDI (Bi-weekly): ~$31.73
Pre-Tax Deductions (Bi-weekly): $115.38
Post-Tax Deductions (Bi-weekly): $7.69
Total Deductions (Bi-weekly): ~$705.48
Net Take-Home Pay (Bi-weekly): ~$2,179.14
(Note: These are illustrative numbers and may not match the calculator's exact output due to rounding and simplified tax bracket calculations.)
Important Considerations
This calculator provides an estimate. Your actual take-home pay can be influenced by many factors not included here, such as:
Specific tax credits (e.g., child tax credit, education credits)
Itemized deductions vs. standard deductions
Other state or local taxes (e.g., city taxes, if applicable)
Employer-specific benefits or deductions
Changes in tax laws or your personal financial situation
For precise tax planning and financial advice, always consult with a qualified tax professional or financial advisor.