What is the California sales tax rate?

The combined state + average local sales tax rate is about 8.82%.

How are capital gains taxed in California?

California taxes long-term capital gains at roughly 9.30%, on top of federal LTCG and 3.8% NIIT.

Is retirement income taxed in California?

Social Security exempt; other retirement taxable. Specific exclusions vary by age and AGI.

What is the property tax rate in California?

The average effective property tax is 0.75% of assessed value. Local rates vary widely by county and city.

Does California tax Social Security?

No — Social Security benefits are exempt from California income tax.

What filing deadlines apply in California?

California follows the federal April 15 deadline. Extensions are typically granted on request — see the state DOR for current forms.

Are pension distributions taxable in California?

Partially. Many states exclude part of pension income based on age or AGI; verify the current-year threshold.

Does California have an estate or inheritance tax?

Federal estate tax applies above the unified credit; only a handful of states levy their own estate or inheritance tax. Verify current rules with a CPA.

Is the standard deduction the same as federal?

Most states allow a separate state standard deduction or personal exemption. The federal standard deduction is $16,100 single / $32,200 MFJ for 2026.

Can I deduct state taxes on my federal return?

Yes — state + local taxes (SALT) are deductible up to $10,000 if you itemize. The cap is set in current law through 2025; check 2026 status before filing.

Does California accept the federal EITC?

Many states offer a state EITC matched as a percentage of the federal credit. Eligibility tracks the federal rules.

Are there local income taxes in California?

California generally does not impose local income taxes beyond the state rate.

Where can I find official California tax forms?

Visit the California Department of Revenue or Department of Taxation site for current forms, brackets, and credits.

How often does TaxEase update this guide?

Annually after IRS Revenue Procedures publish, and within 14 days for any major state legislative change. See our Editorial Policy.

California Tax Guide 2026

Everything residents of the Golden State need to know about state taxes in 2026 — income brackets, property tax, sales tax, capital gains, retirement, and small-business taxation, with planning tips aligned to current IRS guidance.

At a glance

Income tax system

Progressive bracketed income tax

Effective income rate

9.30%

Capital gains

9.30%

Property tax

0.75%

Combined sales tax

8.82%

Retirement income

Social Security exempt; other retirement taxable

Income tax

California uses a progressive bracketed income tax. The average effective rate on wage income is 9.30%. Federal tax still applies; see our income tax calculator for a full breakdown.

Property tax

Effective property tax averages 0.75% of assessed home value. On a $400,000 home that is roughly $3,000 per year. Run your own number with the property tax calculator.

Sales tax

Combined state + local sales tax averages 8.82%. Some categories (groceries, prescription drugs, clothing) may be exempt or taxed at a lower rate.

Capital gains

California taxes long-term capital gains at approximately 9.30%. Federal rates of 0/15/20% plus 3.8% NIIT above MAGI thresholds apply on top.

Estimate yours with the capital gains calculator.

Retirement taxation

Social Security exempt; other retirement taxable. Adjust contributions in our calculators to model the impact of pre-tax 401(k) / Traditional IRA contributions on your California liability.

Business taxation

8.84% corporate tax — highest tier income at 13.3%; mental-health 1% surtax over $1M.

California tax credits & deductions

Earned Income Tax Credit (state match)
Child & Dependent Care credit
Residential energy credit

Eligibility usually depends on AGI, filing status, and residency. Verify current-year rules with the California Department of Revenue or a CPA.

Planning tips for California residents

Maximize pre-tax retirement contributions to reduce state taxable income.
Bunch itemizable deductions into a single year when above the standard deduction.
Time long-term capital gains for years of lower other income.
Consider tax-loss harvesting in taxable brokerage accounts — losses can offset state and federal gains.