California witholding and Social Security

[GoalsRGood]

I starting collecting my Social Security benefit this year and need to re-calculate my California state withholding amount (since CA does not tax Social Security).

Thank you

[xmasbaby0]

Do you plan to keep working after you begin to receive SS?   If so, your other income is still taxable in CA, although CA does not tax SS benefits.  What withholding are you wanting to adjust---if you retire and stop working you will not have any state withholding to worry about.

[SwapnaM · Accepted solution]

Even though CA does not tax Social Security, your CA taxes will depend on your other sources of income such as retirement income and wages if you are still working. There are various Tax calculators for estimating CA taxes based on your taxable income. https://smartasset.com/retirement/california-retirement-taxes#eus02oG3HH

[GoalsRGood]

I was taking monthly distributions from my Traditional IRA, but discontinued those in April 2024 when I started collecting my Social Security benefit. I also receive a Federal Civil Service pension ("annuity) - my only other source of income. Is there an online calculator to adjust my California withholding?

[SwapnaM]

The Smart asset calculator Link above would be a good starting point.

Thanks again.