Why do I owe twice as much in California taxes as I paid last year? Something is wrong.

[wlvgal]

It shows I owe $2,595 for CA state taxes.  That can't be possible.  I paid estimated state taxes of $2,000 as well as normal state tax deductions on all wages and earnings.

[VolvoGirl]

You can print out your return and compare it side by side, line by line to last year and see where the differences are. Maybe you'll spot something you left out or entered wrong.

Did you enter the estimated payments?  Are they showing up on the return?  I would double check your W2 entries.
To check your W2 just type w2 (small W) in the search box at the top of your return and click on Jump To the W2

Or go to…..
Federal Taxes Tab
Wages & Income
Then scroll down to Wages and Salaries- Click the Start or Revisit button
You should get a box listing all your W2s.

Then click  Edit by your W2 to double check it or change it.

The state wages is in box 16 and state withholding in box 17.  You have to scroll way down to get to State. Make sure to fill out all 3 boxes 15-17 and put in the right state.

[akuncangco]

I am a Sr. Payroll Specialist by profession who used to live in CA. The amount of CA Income Tax that is withheld throughout the year is depicted by what you claim for that portion of your taxes. Similar to Federal Income Tax, there are also status selections (i.e. Head of Household) and allowances (1-infinity) that determine how much CA State Income Tax is being taken out of your check every time you get paid. My recommendation is to withhold more taxes with your employer for your state elections in 2017 to avoid this happening in the future.