Are you ready for an engaging topic to keep you on the edge of your seats? Buckle up, because we’re gonna talk about tax structure. Whooooo! Specifically California’s tax structure. Boasting a population of 40 million, the golden state’s economy is the fourth largest in the world. Having a robust tax structure in such a powerful economy is essential in order to maintain stability.
California’s tax structure is multifaceted and designed to generate revenue from a variety of sources, including income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, corporate taxes, and various excise taxes. As the state has blown into a behemoth, this system has evolved over time to support the state’s rapidly growing and diverse population. From public services to infrastructure, California’s tax structure is a monster that aims for a more progressive policy approach. How does it all work? Let’s dive into it.
Personal Income Tax
California has one of the country’s highest state income tax rates and is the largest source of revenue for the state, accounting for over 70% of the General Fund. This is a progressive tax system that taxes higher incomes at higher rates than lower incomes.
Tax Brackets: California’s income tax is divided into ten brackets with rates ranging from 1% to 13.3%. The lowest bracket, 1%, applies to single filers earning up to $10,999 and married couples jointly filing earning up to $20,198. The highest bracket, 13.3% applies to incomes over $1 million. There is an additional surcharge under the Mental Health Services Tax which effectively turns that 13.3% into 14.3% for incomes over $1 million.
Progressivity: What makes California’s tax structure progressive is its focus on higher tax rates for people earning higher incomes. The progressive view is that if you can afford to pay more, you should. It’s a more fair structure that places the burden on those making enough money to have a great life.
Deductions and Credits: We love deductions. Even if we have a barely functional understanding of taxes, we all know that deductions are good things. California allows for various deductions and credits in order to reduce taxable income. Things like standard deductions for children, itemized deductions for expenses like mortgage interest and charitable contributions, and popular credits like the California Earned Income Tax Credit, also known as CalEITC, all make a difference in taxable income.
Sales and Use Tax
A “Sales and Use Tax” applies to the sale of tangible personal property and certain services. California’s statewide base sales tax rate is 7.25% which includes a state rate of 6% and a mandatory local rate of 1.25%, the lowest possible rate across the state. Cities and counties have the freedom to impose additional sales taxes, known as district taxes, which can push the rate as high as 10.75% in certain areas. These taxes go towards municipal services like public safety, transportation, and education. Not everything is taxable, thankfully. Some goods and services are exempt from sales tax such as groceries, prescription drugs, even some medical services. These are essential items to, you know, live. Reducing the tax burden on these things makes for an easier day-to-day life.
Property Tax
Governed by Proposition 13, property taxes in California significantly impacts how properties are assessed and taxed. Proposition 13, everyone’s favorite lucky number, caps the property tax rate at 1% of the assessed value, adding any voter-approved local taxes and assessments. This rate applies uniformly across the state. All properties are reassessed at market value only when they are sold or transferred. In between sales, the assessed value of a property can increase by a maximum of 2% per year, regardless of the actual market value changes. Property taxes are collected at the local level but they are redistributed across the state to fund public schools, community colleges, and other local services. The broader state government also redistributes these taxes to lower income areas ensuring essential services.
Corporate Tax
Ah, the coveted corporate tax. Not just something for leftists to yell about or for execs to jump with glee over, but a necessary cog in our glorious tax systems. California imposes an 8.84% corporate income tax rate, higher than the national average. In addition, the state imposes an Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) at a rate of 6.65%, designed to ensure that corporations with major profits but low taxable income still pay their fair share. You can bet that corporations try to keep this as low as possible thanks to a nicely paid California tax lawyer.
Excise Taxes
California has one of the country’s highest taxes on gasoline, tobacco, alcohol, and as of this year, guns. These taxes are focused on specific goods and activities both as a means to generate revenue and to influence customer behavior. High gas tax can help incentivize consumers to switch to an electric vehicle, for example.
Other Taxes and Considerations
Estate Tax: This is the tax most despised by the wealthy. Thankfully, California’s elite doesn’t have to bother with an estate tax or inheritance tax. Why should the rich have to pay a tax for having so much?
Luxury Taxes: Gotta get those rich folks somehow. There are taxes in California on things like yachts and private jets. Maybe even a celebrity performance for a child’s birthday. These are considered luxury items and are appropriately taxed.
Environmental Fees: One method of reducing California’s environmental impact is to impose various fees and taxes on environmental subjects, such as the cap-and-trade program for carbon emissions. These taxes can, and have, help incentivize companies and consumers to avoid activities that negatively affect the environment.
A Progressive Tax Structure with Loopholes for the Wealthy
California prides itself on its progressivism and environmental consideration. How it imposes taxes is one such way the state can provide robust social programs and incentivize consumer behavior towards healthier and more progressive policies. Its high tax on corporations is popular and effective but its lack of an estate tax means the wealthy get to stay wealthy for generations. The rich will always find a loophole, but this one is a big one. As the state’s population continues to grow and its policies become more popular, its tax structure will further evolve.
