California has the nation’s highest individual income tax rates and high sales tax burdens compared to the rest of the country. In general, the state has low property tax rates for residents who have owned a home for a long time. Newer residents, or people who have moved, have a much higher property tax burden.
The state also has high income and sales taxes, as well as income tax applying to all retirement income except for Social Security.
Taxpayers in parts of California affected by the January wildfires now have until Oct. 15, 2025, to file various state and federal tax returns and make tax payments. Individuals and households that reside or have a business in the disaster area also qualify for some federal tax relief.
The big picture: