13.3%Income tax
7.25%State sales tax
$16.902026 min wage
2026Tax year
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Income Tax

California uses a progressive rate schedule; the highest marginal rate is 13.3% (applies only to income in the top bracket, not all income).

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Sales Tax

The statewide sales tax is 7.25%. Cities and counties add local option taxes — combined rates commonly run 1.5–3 percentage points higher than the state rate.

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2026 Minimum Wage

$16.90/hour. 12.3% top + 1% mental health surtax over $1M; many cities higher

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Tax Filing Notes

File the California state return in addition to your federal return; brackets are based on taxable income with state-specific adjustments.

California 2026 — FAQ

What is the 2026 minimum wage in California?
$16.90/hour. 12.3% top + 1% mental health surtax over $1M; many cities higher
Is California income tax high or low compared to other states?
California's top rate of 13.3% ranks among the highest of states with an income tax.
Do local taxes add to these rates?
Yes. Cities and counties add local sales taxes (often +1.5–3 points), and some states add county income taxes (e.g., MD, IN). Check your local jurisdiction for the effective rate.

Sources: Tax Foundation — State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets 2026; U.S. DOL/WHD state minimum wage tables (Paylocity/Gusto 2026 editions); state revenue agencies. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026. Educational reference — verify current rates with the California revenue department before relying on them.

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