function calculateCaliforniaPay() {
var gross = parseFloat(document.getElementById('grossSalary').value) || 0;
var preTax = parseFloat(document.getElementById('preTaxDeductions').value) || 0;
var status = document.getElementById('filingStatus').value;
var taxableIncome = Math.max(0, gross – preTax);
// 2024 Federal Standard Deductions
var fedStandardDeduction = 14600;
if (status === 'married') fedStandardDeduction = 29200;
if (status === 'headOfHousehold') fedStandardDeduction = 21900;
var federalTaxable = Math.max(0, taxableIncome – fedStandardDeduction);
// Simplified Federal Brackets (2024)
var federalTax = 0;
if (status === 'single') {
if (federalTaxable > 609350) federalTax += (federalTaxable – 609350) * 0.37 + 168934;
else if (federalTaxable > 191950) federalTax += (federalTaxable – 191950) * 0.35 + 34647.5;
else if (federalTaxable > 100525) federalTax += (federalTaxable – 100525) * 0.24 + 16290;
else if (federalTaxable > 47150) federalTax += (federalTaxable – 47150) * 0.22 + 5147;
else if (federalTaxable > 11600) federalTax += (federalTaxable – 11600) * 0.12 + 1160;
else federalTax += federalTaxable * 0.10;
} else {
// Simplified married calculation
if (federalTaxable > 100000) federalTax = federalTaxable * 0.18;
else federalTax = federalTaxable * 0.12;
}
// California State Tax Brackets (Simplified 2024)
var caStandardDeduction = 5363;
if (status === 'married') caStandardDeduction = 10726;
var caTaxable = Math.max(0, taxableIncome – caStandardDeduction);
var stateTax = 0;
if (caTaxable > 676000) stateTax = caTaxable * 0.12;
else if (caTaxable > 350000) stateTax = caTaxable * 0.09;
else if (caTaxable > 60000) stateTax = caTaxable * 0.06;
else stateTax = caTaxable * 0.03;
// FICA & SDI
// Social Security 6.2% up to $168,600
var ssTax = Math.min(gross, 168600) * 0.062;
// Medicare 1.45%
var medicareTax = gross * 0.0145;
// CA SDI 1.1%
var sdiTax = gross * 0.011;
var totalFica = ssTax + medicareTax + sdiTax;
var totalTax = federalTax + stateTax + totalFica;
var annualNet = Math.max(0, gross – totalTax – preTax);
document.getElementById('annualNet').innerText = '$' + annualNet.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('monthlyNet').innerText = '$' + (annualNet / 12).toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('biWeeklyNet').innerText = '$' + (annualNet / 26).toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('fedTaxResult').innerText = '$' + federalTax.toLocaleString(undefined, {maximumFractionDigits: 0});
document.getElementById('stateTaxResult').innerText = '$' + stateTax.toLocaleString(undefined, {maximumFractionDigits: 0});
document.getElementById('ficaResult').innerText = '$' + totalFica.toLocaleString(undefined, {maximumFractionDigits: 0});
document.getElementById('resultsArea').style.display = 'block';
}
Understanding Your California Take-Home Pay
California has one of the most complex progressive income tax systems in the United States. When you calculate your take-home pay in the Golden State, you aren't just looking at federal taxes; you are also accounting for high state income tax brackets, State Disability Insurance (SDI), and federal FICA taxes.
Major Deductions from a CA Paycheck
Federal Income Tax: Progressive tax ranging from 10% to 37% depending on your filing status and earnings.
California State Tax: Brackets range from 1% to 13.3% (including the Mental Health Services Act tax on income over $1M).
FICA Taxes: This includes Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%).
CA SDI: For 2024, the California State Disability Insurance rate is 1.1%. Unlike previous years, there is no longer a taxable wage limit for SDI.
Example Calculation: $100,000 Annual Salary
If you are a single filer in California earning a gross salary of $100,000 with no pre-tax deductions:
Category
Estimated Amount
Gross Annual Pay
$100,000
Federal Income Tax
~$14,260
California State Tax
~$6,000
FICA & SDI
~$8,750
Estimated Net Pay
~$70,990
How to Increase Your Take-Home Pay
While you cannot control tax rates, you can lower your taxable income. Contributing to a 401(k) or a Health Savings Account (HSA) reduces your gross income before taxes are calculated. For a high-earner in California, contributing $20,000 to a 401(k) could potentially save you thousands in combined federal and state taxes annually.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on 2024 tax brackets and simplified logic. For official financial planning, please consult a tax professional or the California Franchise Tax Board.