California Pay Stub Generator

Create an accurate pay stub with 2026 federal withholding, Social Security and Medicare calculated automatically, state tax by state, and year-to-date totals.

Free to fill & preview · $6.99 for the clean PDF + Word

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California rules that this document follows

State income tax withholdingProgressive rates — enter the amount from payroll records — Use EDD DE 4 / payroll calculator; SDI 1.3% also appliesSource: State revenue department withholding tables, 2026
Federal income taxIRS Publication 15-T (2026) percentage method, Form W-4 (2020 or later)Source: Rev. Proc. 2025-32; Pub 15-T
Social Security6.2% up to $184,500 (2026 wage base)Source: 26 U.S.C. § 3101(a); SSA 2026 COLA
Medicare1.45% + 0.9% additional over $200,000Source: 26 U.S.C. § 3101(b)
Pay stub requirementMost states require employers to give an itemized statement each payday (hours, rate, gross, deductions, net). Keep payroll records at least 3 years (FLSA).Source: 29 C.F.R. § 516.2

Rules current as of 2026-09-07. Statutes change; verify before relying on them.

How to use this Pay Stub Generator in California

Enter the employer and employee exactly as they appear on payroll records, choose the pay frequency, and enter hours and rate or the salary for the period. Federal tax, Social Security and Medicare are computed from the 2026 tables; California state tax is entered from your payroll records.

Use the Year-to-date step so cumulative totals match your earlier stubs. Download the PDF, keep a copy in your payroll file for at least three years, and give the employee a copy each payday.

Frequently asked questions

Does this pay stub include California state tax?

California uses progressive withholding tables. Enter the state amount from your payroll records or the state withholding calculator; federal tax, Social Security and Medicare are still calculated automatically.

Is a generated pay stub legal?

Yes, when it reflects wages actually paid. Employers and self-employed people use pay stub generators to issue the itemized statement most states require. Creating a stub for income you did not receive to deceive a lender or landlord is fraud.

How is federal withholding calculated?

Using the 2026 IRS Publication 15-T percentage method: wages are annualized, the standard deduction for your W-4 filing status is applied, tax is computed at the 2026 brackets, reduced by Step 3 dependents, and divided by pay periods; Step 4(c) extra withholding is added.

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FormsByState provides self-help document templates and general information, not legal advice. We are not a law firm. For advice about your situation consult a licensed attorney in your state.