Social Security taxes went up for workers nationwide on January 1st by 2% from 4.2 % to 6.2%. This means that every American family earning $50,000 annually will pay around $1,000 more in Social Security taxes in 2013.
With the increase in federal taxes for all those families whose household yearly income is $450,000 or more, the 2013 federal income taxes owed before deductions will total about $343,000 for their first $1 million and takes 39.6 percent of all income over that. California income taxes add another $90,000 for the first $1 million in income before deductions and takes 13.3 percent of their income over $1 million. That means that the total state and federal income tax owed in California on the first $1 million in income is $433,000 before deductions. In addition, the new California income tax rates for those making $250,000 or more are retroactive to January 1, 2012.
The statewide sales and use tax rate increased one quarter of one percent (0.25%) from 7.25 percent to 7.50 percent on Jan. 1, 2013. California voters approved this rate increase when they approved Proposition 30 on Nov. 6, 2012.
California sales tax generally applies to retail sales of goods and merchandise except those sales specifically exempted by law. “Use Tax” is the same rate as the sales tax and generally applies to the storage, use, or other consumption of goods in California purchased from retailers in transactions not subject to the sales tax. Use tax may also apply to purchases shipped to California consumers from other states, including purchases by mail order, telephone, or Internet.
The sales and use tax rate increase does not apply to purchases of gasoline. However, the sales and use tax rate increase does apply to purchases of diesel fuel
Basic State Sales/Use Tax = 8.25 %
County of Santa Cruz (All unincorporated areas) Sales/Use Tax 8.25 %
City of Capitola Sales/Use Tax 8.5 %
City of Santa Cruz Sales/Use Tax 8.75 %
City of Scotts Valley Sales/Use Tax 8.25 %
City of Watsonville Sales/Use Tax 8.5 %