California Pay Stub Generator
Create a California pay-stub PDF with progressive state income tax handling, federal withholding, FICA, deductions, YTD totals, and net pay. The stub should match the income records behind it.
Create Your California Pay StubCalifornia Tax Overview
Tax Structure
California has a progressive state income tax with rates from 1% to 13.3%, one of the highest top rates in the nation.
Top Tax Rate
13.3%
Maximum state income tax rate for California residents.
Important Notes
Includes mandatory State Disability Insurance (SDI). San Francisco has additional local taxes.
2026 California Income Tax Rates
California uses a progressive income tax. Below are the 2026 marginal brackets for a single filer — each rate applies only to the income that falls within that band, after the state standard deduction of $5,706. Married-filing-jointly brackets are generally wider.
| Taxable income (single filer) | Marginal rate |
|---|---|
| Up to $11,079 | 1% |
| $11,079 – $26,264 | 2% |
| $26,264 – $41,452 | 4% |
| $41,452 – $57,542 | 6% |
| $57,542 – $72,724 | 8% |
| $72,724 – $371,479 | 9.3% |
| $371,479 – $445,771 | 10.3% |
| $445,771 – $742,953 | 11.3% |
| $742,953 – $1,000,000 | 12.3% |
| $1,000,000 and up | 13.3% |
Local & payroll taxes: California also withholds State Disability Insurance (SDI) at 1.3% of wages, with no wage cap.
2026 rates, single-filer schedule — the same tax tables our generator uses. Confirm against the California revenue department before filing; your withholding shifts with filing status, deductions, and credits.
What's Included in Your California Pay Stub
Federal Income Tax
Federal withholding is calculated from the gross pay, pay frequency, filing status, and deduction details you enter.
California State Income Tax
progressive state income tax handling for California, based on the supported current bracket or rate schedule.
FICA Taxes
Social Security and Medicare are shown as separate lines, with self-employment treatment available for 1099-style income.
Deductions & Year-to-Date
Show health insurance, retirement, and other deduction lines, plus YTD totals derived from the pay-period inputs.
Sample California Paycheck on a $60,000 Salary
Single filer, bi-weekly pay (26 paychecks/year), no W-4 adjustments. Numbers come from the same calculator that generates your stub — see the pay-stub creator to plug in your own figures.
| Line | Per Paycheck |
|---|---|
| Gross pay | $2,307.69 |
| Federal income tax | −$193.08 |
| California state income tax | −$68.94 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | −$143.08 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | −$33.46 |
| California SDI / wage tax | −$30.00 |
| Net pay (take-home) | $1,839.13 |
Annualised, that's about $47,817 in take-home pay on a $60,000 salary — with roughly $1,792 going to California state income tax over the year. Numbers assume the 2026 IRS withholding tables and California's progressive rate schedule (top rate 13.3%); your actual withholding will shift with filing status, W-4 adjustments, pre-tax deductions, and YTD wages.
Where a California Stub Fits
Loan Applications
Use a current pay-period summary alongside bank statements, employer records, tax returns, or invoices so the reviewer can reconcile the numbers.
Mortgage Approval
A mortgage file usually relies on tax returns, bank statements, credit, and debts. A stub can organize the recent income piece.
Rental Applications
Property managers may ask for recent income periods. Use consecutive stubs that match deposits or payroll records.
Self-Employment & Freelance
Freelancers & self-employed individuals in California can summarize invoice, platform, deposit, or business records in a payroll-style layout.
Create a California Pay Stub Preview
Generate the watermarked preview first. Pay $2.49 for the clean PDF only when the state tax line, deductions, YTD totals, and net pay match your records.
Create PreviewCalifornia Pay Stub FAQs
- Does California have a state income tax?
- Yes. California has a progressive state income tax topping out at 13.3%, charged on top of federal income tax and FICA (Social Security and Medicare).
- What taxes are withheld on a California pay stub?
- A California pay stub itemises federal income tax, Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%), plus California state income tax, and a state disability/insurance (SDI) deduction. Year-to-date totals for each line are included.
- What is the take-home pay on a $60,000 salary in California?
- A single filer earning $60,000 in California takes home about $47,817 per year after federal tax, FICA, and state income tax — roughly $1,839.13 per bi-weekly paycheck. Your actual figure varies with filing status, deductions, and W-4 elections.
- Can I use a California pay stub as proof of income?
- A California pay stub can support an apartment, loan, or mortgage file when it reflects real earnings and matches the records behind it. Reviewers may still ask for bank statements, tax returns, employer records, invoices, or other source documents.
Generating Pay Stubs in a Nearby State?
Tax rules vary from one state to the next. Pick the right calculator for the state where the work was performed.