Taxes in Sunnyvale, California
Complete tax guide for Sunnyvale, CA. State income tax up to 9.3%, 0.76% property tax, 10.04% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
9.3%
California
Property Tax
0.76%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
10.04%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
Very High
Sunnyvale, CA Tax Overview
Population
155,805
Median Income
$128,000
Cost of Living
198.4 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
9.3%
Median Home Price
$1,500,000
Sunnyvale Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Sunnyvale median: $128,000
Total Tax Burden in Sunnyvale
$41,663
Take-Home: $86,337 · Effective Rate: 32.55%
Federal Tax
$19,967
15.60% eff.
CA State
$11,904
9.30% eff.
FICA
$9,792
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$86,337
67.45% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $128,000.00 | $10,666.67 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$19,967.00 | -$1,663.92 |
| California State Tax | -$11,904.00 | -$992.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$7,936.00 | -$661.33 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$1,856.00 | -$154.67 |
| Take-Home Pay | $86,337.00 | $7,194.75 |
Property Tax in Sunnyvale
Median Home
$1,500,000
Annual Tax
$11,400
Monthly Tax
$950
Effective Rate
0.76%
Sales Tax in Sunnyvale
Combined Rate
10.04%
State Portion
~7.5%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Sunnyvale is 10.04%, which is above the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $10.04 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Sunnyvale | California Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 9.3% | 9.3% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 0.76% | ~0.76% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 10.04% | ~10.04% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | Very High | — | Moderate |
About Taxes in Sunnyvale
Sunnyvale has a population of approximately 155,805 residents with a median household income of $128,000. The cost of living index is 198.4 (98.4% higher than the national average of 100).
Tax burden classification: Very High. Effective combined tax rate of 36.5% includes federal, state, FICA, property, and sales taxes for a typical Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale (0.76%) 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 10.04% 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 Sunnyvale's median home value of $1,500,000and the local effective property tax rate of 0.76%.
- • 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 Sunnyvale, CA?
Sunnyvale, California has a state income tax rate up to 9.3%. The property tax rate is 0.76% and the combined sales tax rate is 10.04%.
How much is property tax in Sunnyvale?
The effective property tax rate in Sunnyvale is 0.76%. On the median home price of $1,500,000, this equals approximately $11,400 per year or $950 per month. This is below the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Sunnyvale?
The combined sales tax rate in Sunnyvale is 10.04%, which includes both state and local components. This is above the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Sunnyvale's tax burden compare to other cities?
Sunnyvale has a very high overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 36.5%. The combination of 9.3% state income tax, 0.76% property tax, and 10.04% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 198.4 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Sunnyvale?
Sunnyvale 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).