If you live or work in California, you probably know that the Golden State has some of the highest taxes in the country. But how much do you actually pay in state income tax, and what are the tax brackets for 2024? In this blog post, we will explain everything you need to know about California tax brackets 2024, including the rates, the deductions, and the credits that can lower your tax bill.
What are the California tax brackets 2024?
The California income tax has nine tax brackets. The top California income tax rate has been 13.3% for a decade, but effective on January 1, 2024, the new top rate is an eye-watering 14.4%. Each bracket corresponds to a range of income, which varies depending on your filing status.
The table below shows the California tax brackets 2024 for each filing status:
| Tax rate | Single or Married filing separately | Married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er) | Head of household |
| 1% | $0 to $10,412 | $0 to $20,824 | $0 to $20,839 |
| 2% | $10,413 to $24,684 | $20,825 to $49,368 | $20,840 to $49,371 |
| 4% | $24,685 to $38,959 | $49,369 to $77,918 | $49,372 to $63,644 |
| 6% | $38,960 to $54,081 | $77,919 to $108,162 | $63,645 to $78,765 |
| 8% | $54,082 to $68,350 | $108,163 to $136,700 | $78,766 to $93,037 |
| 9.3% | $68,351 to $349,137 | $136,701 to $698,274 | $93,038 to $474,824 |
| 10.3% | $349,138 to $418,961 | $698,275 to $837,922 | $474,825 to $569,790 |
| 11.3% | $418,962 to $698,271 | $837,923 to $1,396,542 | $569,791 to $949,649 |
| 12.3% | $698,272 or more. | $1,396,543 or more | $949,650 or more |
In addition to these tax brackets, the California Mental Health Services Act imposes an additional 1 percent tax on income over $1 million. Not all of your income is taxed at the same rate. For example, if you’re a single filer and your taxable income is $80,000, the first $10,412 would be taxed at 1%, the next $10,412 to $24,684 would be taxed at 2% and so on.
How do California tax brackets work?
Technically, you don’t have just one “tax bracket” – you pay all of the California marginal tax rates from the lowest tax bracket to the tax bracket in which you earned your last dollar. For comparison purposes, however, your California tax bracket is the tax bracket in which your last earned dollar in any given tax period falls.
California Tax Deductions
When calculating your California income tax, keep in mind that the California state income tax brackets are only applied to your adjusted gross income (AGI) after you have made any qualifying deductions. Qualifying deductions might include an itemized deduction, the California standard deduction, exemptions for dependents, business expenses, etc.
Remember that California may have very different deduction laws from the Federal Income Tax, so you may have to write a whole new list of deductions for your California income tax return.
What is the deadline for filing California state taxes in 2024?
The deadline to file a California state tax return is April 15, 2024, which is also the deadline for federal tax returns. California grants an automatic six-month extension (until Oct. 15, 2024) to file your tax return; however, payments are still due by April 15, 2024. No application is required for an extension to file.
How can I get help with my California income tax?
If you need help with preparing and filing your California income tax return, you can always turn to a professional tax service provider, such as Robert Hall & Associates. Robert Hall & Associates is a leading tax preparation and consulting firm in Glendale, California, that has been serving individuals and businesses since 1971. We have a team of experienced and certified tax professionals who can help you with all your tax needs, from planning and compliance to audit representation and resolution.
Whether you need help with your federal or state income tax, sales tax, payroll tax, or estate tax, Robert Hall & Associates can provide you with personalized and reliable service. To learn more about our services and how we can help you save money and time on your taxes, visit our website at roberthalltaxes.uncoder.co or call us at (818) 242-4888. You can also schedule a free consultation with one of our tax experts and get a free estimate of your tax situation. Don’t wait until the last minute to file your California income tax return. Contact Robert Hall & Associates today and let us take care of your taxes for you.