1. What is the ADP Salary Calculator?

The ADP Salary Calculator for California State helps estimate your net pay after accounting for federal tax, California state tax, FICA contributions, and any applicable local taxes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• Gross Pay — Your total annual salary before deductions
• Federal Tax — Estimated federal income tax withholding
• California State Tax — California state income tax
• FICA — Social Security and Medicare taxes (7.65% of gross pay typically)
• Local Tax — Any applicable city or county taxes

3. Understanding California Payroll Taxes

Details: California has progressive state income tax rates ranging from 1% to 13.3%. Additionally, employees pay FICA taxes (6.2% for Social Security up to the wage base and 1.45% for Medicare).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your gross annual salary and estimated tax amounts. For most California employees, FICA will be approximately 7.65% of gross pay up to the Social Security wage base.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculator?
A: This provides an estimate. Actual take-home pay may vary based on exemptions, deductions, and other factors.

Q2: What's different about California taxes?
A: California has higher state income tax rates than most states and no special treatment for capital gains.

Q3: Are local taxes common in California?
A: Some cities like San Francisco have local payroll taxes for businesses, which may be passed to employees.

Q4: What about California SDI?
A: State Disability Insurance (SDI) is an additional 1.1% withholding on the first $145,600 (2024) of wages.

Q5: How often should I recalculate?
A: Recalculate whenever your income changes significantly or at least annually for tax updates.