Taxes in Los Altos, California
Complete tax guide for Los Altos, CA. State income tax up to 9.3%, 0.71% property tax, 8.33% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
9.3%
California
Property Tax
0.71%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
8.33%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
High
Los Altos, CA Tax Overview
Population
30,787
Median Income
$68,800
Cost of Living
135.9 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
9.3%
Median Home Price
$738,000
Los Altos Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Los Altos median: $68,800
Total Tax Burden in Los Altos
$18,412
Take-Home: $50,388 · Effective Rate: 26.76%
Federal Tax
$6,750
9.81% eff.
CA State
$6,398
9.30% eff.
FICA
$5,263
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$50,388
73.24% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $68,800.00 | $5,733.33 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$6,750.00 | -$562.50 |
| California State Tax | -$6,398.40 | -$533.20 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$4,265.60 | -$355.47 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$997.60 | -$83.13 |
| Take-Home Pay | $50,388.40 | $4,199.03 |
Property Tax in Los Altos
Median Home
$738,000
Annual Tax
$5,240
Monthly Tax
$437
Effective Rate
0.71%
Sales Tax in Los Altos
Combined Rate
8.33%
State Portion
~5.8%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Los Altos is 8.33%, which is above the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $8.33 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Los Altos | California Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 9.3% | 9.3% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 0.71% | ~0.71% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 8.33% | ~8.33% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | High | — | Moderate |
Tax Saving Tips for Los Altos Residents
- California's income tax rate of 9.3% is above average. Maximize pre-tax retirement contributions (401k up to $23,500, IRA up to $7,000) to reduce both federal and state taxable income.
- Property tax in Los Altos (0.71%) is below the national average of 1.1%. This makes homeownership more affordable here relative to property tax burden.
- The combined sales tax rate of 8.33% is relatively high. Consider making large purchases in lower-tax jurisdictions or online retailers that do not charge local tax rates.
- Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) if eligible. Contributions are tax-deductible ($4,300 individual, $8,550 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
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See detailed state tax brackets, FICA breakdown, and compare to neighboring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax rates in Los Altos, CA?
Los Altos, California has a state income tax rate up to 9.3%. The property tax rate is 0.71% and the combined sales tax rate is 8.33%.
How much is property tax in Los Altos?
The effective property tax rate in Los Altos is 0.71%. On the median home price of $738,000, this equals approximately $5,240 per year or $437 per month. This is below the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Los Altos?
The combined sales tax rate in Los Altos is 8.33%, which includes both state and local components. This is above the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Los Altos's tax burden compare to other cities?
Los Altos has a high overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 34.7%. The combination of 9.3% state income tax, 0.71% property tax, and 8.33% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 135.9 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Los Altos?
Los Altos does not impose a separate local or city income tax. Residents pay the state income tax of 9.3%, federal income tax, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare).