Taxes for California


California's nine state income tax rates range from 1 percent to 12.30 percent. The Golden State also assesses a 1 percent surcharge on taxable incomes of $1 million or more. More on California taxes can be found in the tabbed pages below.
¡¡¡¡• Income
¡¡¡¡• Sales
¡¡¡¡• Property
¡¡¡¡• Estate
¡¡¡¡• Other

Personal income tax
¡¡¡¡California collects income tax from its residents at the following rates.
¡¡¡¡For single and married filing separately taxpayers:
¡¡¡¡• 1 percent on the first $7,455 of taxable income.
¡¡¡¡• 2 percent on taxable income between $7,456 and $17,676.
¡¡¡¡• 4 percent on taxable income between $17,677 and $27,897.
¡¡¡¡• 4 percent on taxable income between $17,677 and $27,897.
¡¡¡¡• 8 percent on taxable income between $38,727 and $48,942.
¡¡¡¡• 9.30 percent on taxable income between $48,943 and 250,000.
¡¡¡¡• 10.30 percent on taxable income between $250,001 and 300,000.
¡¡¡¡• 11.30 percent on taxable income between $300,001 and $500,000.
¡¡¡¡• 12.30 percent on taxable income of $500,001 and above.

A 1 percent surcharge, the Mental Health Services Tax, is collected on taxable incomes of $1 million or more, making California's highest marginal rate 13.30 percent.

For married persons filing joint returns and heads of households, the rates remain the same but the income brackets are doubled.

Residents must complete returns on Form 540EZ, Form 540A (short form), Form 540 (long form) or Form 540-ADS by April 15. When that date falls on a weekend or holiday, filers get until the next business day to submit their state returns.

You might be able to file your California return electronically at no cost using CalFile if you meet the program's eligibility requirements.

With Ready Return, eligible California taxpayers can view a prefilled state tax return, update it if needed and e-file it directly with the state, all at no cost.

Read more: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/taxes/state-taxes-california.aspx#ixzz2RXdCUiM6


Personal and real property taxes
In the state of California, all real property is taxable and shall be assessed at fair market value.

Any homestead exemptions are handled at the county level and residents must contact the local county tax assessor's office to inquire. The state's property tax postponement program previously allowed eligible homeowners (senior citizens and blind or disabled residents) to postpone payment of property taxes on their principal place of residence. Because of the state's fiscal difficulties, the program has been suspended indefinitely. However, effective Jan. 1, 2012, each county may implement a property tax postponement program for properties located in the county.

California also previously offered a homeowner and renter assistance program under which a once-a-year payment was made to qualified individuals based on part of the property taxes assessed and paid on their homes or paid indirectly as part of their rent. However, this program also is suspended due to budget constraints.

Check the state's homeowner and renter assistance program Web page periodically for program updates.

Read more£ºhttp://www.bankrate.com/finance/taxes/state-taxes-california.aspx#ixzz2RXdOr7J0


Other California tax facts
California gives taxpayers the option to make voluntary fund contributions to more than a dozen nonprofit programs.

California taxpayers can check the status of their refunds by using the state's interactive Web page.

No intangible personal property taxes are levied in California.

Read more£ºhttp://www.bankrate.com/finance/taxes/state-taxes-california.aspx#ixzz2RXdYuJjV

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