Taxes in San Rafael, California
Complete tax guide for San Rafael, CA. State income tax up to 9.3%, 0.78% property tax, 8.28% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
9.3%
California
Property Tax
0.78%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
8.28%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
High
San Rafael, CA Tax Overview
Population
61,383
Median Income
$82,600
Cost of Living
157.7 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
9.3%
Median Home Price
$848,000
San Rafael Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with San Rafael median: $82,600
Total Tax Burden in San Rafael
$23,787
Take-Home: $58,813 · Effective Rate: 28.80%
Federal Tax
$9,786
11.85% eff.
CA State
$7,682
9.30% eff.
FICA
$6,319
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$58,813
71.20% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $82,600.00 | $6,883.33 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$9,786.00 | -$815.50 |
| California State Tax | -$7,681.80 | -$640.15 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$5,121.20 | -$426.77 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$1,197.70 | -$99.81 |
| Take-Home Pay | $58,813.30 | $4,901.11 |
Property Tax in San Rafael
Median Home
$848,000
Annual Tax
$6,614
Monthly Tax
$551
Effective Rate
0.78%
Sales Tax in San Rafael
Combined Rate
8.28%
State Portion
~5.8%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in San Rafael is 8.28%, which is above the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $8.28 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | San Rafael | California Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 9.3% | 9.3% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 0.78% | ~0.78% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 8.28% | ~8.28% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | High | — | Moderate |
About Taxes in San Rafael
San Rafael has a population of approximately 61,383 residents with a median household income of $82,600. The cost of living index is 157.7 (57.7% higher than the national average of 100).
Tax burden classification: High. Effective combined tax rate of 35% includes federal, state, FICA, property, and sales taxes for a typical San Rafael household.
Official Tax Resources for California
For authoritative California tax forms, filing deadlines, and the latest legislative updates, consult these official government resources:
- California Franchise Tax Board — official state revenue agency
- California Individual Income Tax Forms — current tax year forms and instructions
- California Property Tax Information — assessment, exemptions, and appeals
- California Sales Tax Authority — current sales tax rates and rules
- IRS Federal Tax Forms and Instructions — federal income tax filing
Tax Saving Tips for San Rafael 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 San Rafael (0.78%) 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 8.28% 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 ($4,400 individual, $8,750 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
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Tax rate data on this page is compiled from official government sources and updated for the 2026 tax year. Calculations follow the IRS-published 2026 federal tax brackets, FICA rates (6.2% Social Security up to $176,100 wage base, 1.45% Medicare), and California state tax provisions. Property tax estimates use San Rafael's median home value of $848,000and the local effective property tax rate of 0.78%.
- • Federal tax brackets and standard deductions: IRS.gov
- • State income tax rates and brackets: California Franchise Tax Board
- • Median household income, home value, and demographics: U.S. Census Bureau ACS
- • Cost of living comparisons: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CES
- • National average benchmarks: Tax Foundation state-level tax burden studies
Disclaimer: Estimates are for informational purposes only. Actual tax liability depends on filing status, deductions, credits, and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed tax professional or your state revenue agency for binding tax guidance.
Reviewed by LevyIO Tax Research Team · Published 2026-01-15 · Last updated 2026-04-30
Calculate Your Full California Tax Burden
See detailed state tax brackets, FICA breakdown, and compare to neighboring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax rates in San Rafael, CA?
San Rafael, California has a state income tax rate up to 9.3%. The property tax rate is 0.78% and the combined sales tax rate is 8.28%.
How much is property tax in San Rafael?
The effective property tax rate in San Rafael is 0.78%. On the median home price of $848,000, this equals approximately $6,614 per year or $551 per month. This is below the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in San Rafael?
The combined sales tax rate in San Rafael is 8.28%, which includes both state and local components. This is above the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does San Rafael's tax burden compare to other cities?
San Rafael has a high overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 35%. The combination of 9.3% state income tax, 0.78% property tax, and 8.28% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 157.7 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in San Rafael?
San Rafael 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).