California Franchise Tax Board provides a short summary of what to expect from tax reform.
Federal vs. California
Federal tax reform approved in December 2017 changed many areas of federal income tax law. These new laws may conflict with state income tax law.
We’ll update this page as the IRS provides more information.
What you should do now
Review your paycheck withholding
Make sure you are having enough taxes withheld.
You may need to increase your withholding. Use the Withholding Calculator offered by the IRS.
Consult a professional tax preparer
You may wish to consult a tax preparer to see how tax reform may affect you.
Before hiring a preparer, search the web to see if they are in good standing.
State law requires anyone who prepares returns for a fee to be either an enrolled agent, certified public accountant, attorney, or tax preparer registered with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC).
For more on the federal tax reform, visit irs.gov.
Credits and Deductions
Here are some key areas of the tax reform. The changes may affect your 2018 tax return that most will file in early 2019:
Standard Deductions
One goal of the tax reform was to simplify tax filing by increasing the standard deduction so some taxpayers will no longer need to itemize deductions on their federal tax returns.
You may want to itemize on your CA return, but take the increased standard deduction on your federal return.
State and Local Taxes
Federal law limits your state and local tax (SALT) deduction to $10,000 if single or married filing jointly.
California does not allow a deduction of state and local income taxes on your state return.
California does allow deductions for your real estate tax and vehicle license fees.
Mortgage Interest
Federal law limits deductions for home mortgage interest on mortgages up to $750,000 for loans taken out after December 15, 2017.
California allows deductions for home mortgage interest on mortgages up to $1 million.
Child Tax Credit
Federal law raised the child tax credit to $2,000 per child and $500 for other qualifying dependents.
California does not offer this credit.
Charitable Contributions
Federal law limits charitable contributions to 60 percent of your federal adjusted gross income.
California limits charitable contributions to 50 percent of your federal adjusted gross income.
Moving Expenses
Federal law limits moving expense deductions to members of the Armed Forces on active duty.
California allows you to deduct work-related moving expenses subject to distance and time requirements.
For more information click here: https://www.ftb.ca.gov/current/Income-tax-reform.shtml