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Retirement planning for California.
Graduated (1% – 13.3%). Run your projection. free
Run your projection — freeCalifornia at a glance (2026)
Top combined rate
50.3%
State tax model
Graduated
Standard deduction
$16,100
RMD start age
73
State tax brackets
California income tax rates (2026)
| Rate | Taxable income (single) |
|---|---|
| 1% | up to $10,412 |
| 2% | $10,412 – $24,684 |
| 4% | $24,684 – $38,959 |
| 6% | $38,959 – $54,081 |
| 8% | $54,081 – $68,350 |
| 9.3% | $68,350 – $349,137 |
| 10.3% | $349,137 – $418,961 |
| 11.3% | $418,961 – $698,271 |
| 12.3% | $698,271 – $1,000,000 |
| 13.3% | over $1,000,000 |
State rates apply on top of federal rates (10-37%). Married filing jointly thresholds are typically 2x single.
What this means for your retirement
California retirement planning insights
California has the highest state income tax in the US at 13.3% — combined with federal, the top rate reaches 50.3%. Roth conversion strategies are expensive here but can pay off if you plan to retire in a lower-tax state
California taxes Social Security differently than federal — Social Security benefits are not taxed at the state level, which is a significant advantage for retirees relying heavily on SS income
The $349,137 bracket boundary is key for Roth conversion planning — below that, the state rate is 9.3%. Above it, you're paying 10.3-13.3% state on top of federal
California's capital gains are taxed as ordinary income (no preferential rate) — liquidating appreciated assets in California is more expensive than almost any other state
Frequently asked questions
› Should I do Roth conversions in California?
It depends on whether you plan to stay. If you'll retire in California, Roth conversions lock in today's rates and avoid higher rates later if your income grows. If you plan to move to a no-tax state (NV, TX, FL), you might defer conversions until after the move. cinder.fi models both scenarios side-by-side.
› Is California a bad state to retire in for taxes?
California's top rate is the highest in the US, but it doesn't tax Social Security benefits at the state level. For retirees whose income is primarily Social Security + modest withdrawals, California can be surprisingly reasonable. For those with large 401(k)/IRA withdrawals, the math favors lower-tax states.
› Does California tax capital gains differently?
Yes — California taxes capital gains as ordinary income with no preferential rate. Long-term capital gains that would be taxed at 0-20% federally face the full state bracket rate (up to 13.3%). This makes tax-loss harvesting and asset location especially important for California residents.
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