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California Individual Estimated Payments - Safe Harbor rules

Generally, taxpayers can avoid paying California penalties for underpayment of estimated taxes by paying the lesser of the following:

1. 90% of the current year's tax
 or
2. 100% of the preceeding year's tax

But high income taxpayers must meet some different standards as listed below:

1. When current year AGI exceeds $150,000 ($75,000 if married filing separately) but is less than $1,000,000 ($500,000 if married filing separately), they must pay in 110% of the prior year's amount to avoid the penalty.  

2. Individuals with annual AGI of $1,000,000 or more must pay in 90% of the current year's tax to avoid a penalty.  

See also electronic deposit requirements for high income taxpayers.

You can get more information from the Franchise Tax Board website.