California side hustle taxes
California gig workers face the highest combined tax burden in the US — self-employment tax (15.3%) plus federal income tax plus up to 13.3% state. The good news: the IRS mileage deduction ($0.70/mi in 2026) and Schedule C expenses can dramatically cut what you actually owe.
Calculate your real California take-home
✏️ Edit to match your real numbers — check your weekly statement.
Self-employment 15.3% + ~14% effective federal/state
✏️ Edit to match your real numbers — your actual effective rate depends on total income, deductions and filing status.
Hours worked that platforms don't pay for
- Gross earnings
- $1,000.00
- Platform fees
- −$140.00
- Expenses
- −$220.00
- Est. tax reserve
- −$192.00
- Net after tax
- $448.00
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- ✓Quarterly tax-reserve email reminders
- Net take-home
- $448.00
- True $/hr
- $10.67
- Hours tracked
- 42.0
Without an account, this disappears the moment you close the tab.
California tax essentials
- Combined effective rate ~30% on net profit after expenses
- Quarterly estimates required if you'll owe $500+ in CA tax (Form 540-ES) — separate from federal 1040-ES
- Prop 22 gives rideshare drivers a healthcare stipend if they meet hour thresholds
- Sales tax registration may be required for Etsy/eBay sellers shipping in-state
Filing agency: California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) ↗
Frequently asked
- Do I need to register as a business in California?
- Sole proprietors don't need a state business license for most gig work, but cities like LA and SF require a local business tax registration even for 1099 contractors.
- What's the CA estimated tax deadline?
- California uses a non-standard quarterly schedule: 30% by April 15, 40% by June 15, 0% by September 15, 30% by January 15. Don't assume it matches federal.
- Can I deduct my car under Prop 22?
- Yes — Prop 22 benefits don't change your tax status. You're still self-employed for tax purposes and can deduct mileage on Schedule C.
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