California Form 540 2EZ Tax Calculator
Use our California 540 2EZ tax calculator for single, married, or head of household filers with income under $100,000. Based on official FTB 2EZ tax tables.
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Calculate your California state tax using the simplified Form 540 2EZ method. This calculator mirrors the official FTB 540 2EZ tax tables for single, married filing jointly, and head of household filers with income up to $100,000.
Built-in 2EZ Credits
- Standard deduction: $5,706
- Personal exemption credit: $153
- Dependent credit: $475 × 0 = $0
For the rules behind these numbers, read California Form 540 2EZ: Who Qualifies and How to File.
What Is Form 540 2EZ?
Form 540 2EZ is a simplified California income tax return designed for taxpayers with straightforward financial situations. The FTB created this form to make filing faster and easier — you look up your tax directly in a table without having to calculate deductions or exemptions yourself.
The 2EZ table automatically includes:
- Your California standard deduction
- Your personal exemption credit
- Credits for up to 3 dependents
Built-In 2EZ Credits by Filing Status
| Filing Status | Standard Deduction | Personal Exemption Credit | Dependent Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $5,706 | $153 | $475 each |
| Married/RDP Filing Jointly | $11,412 | $306 | $475 each |
| Head of Household | $11,412 | $153 | $475 each |
Who Qualifies for Form 540 2EZ?
You can use Form 540 2EZ if all of the following apply:
- Your filing status is Single, Married/RDP Filing Jointly, or Head of Household
- Your total income is $100,000 or less
- Your income comes only from wages, salaries, tips, interest, dividends, or pensions
- You claim the standard deduction (not itemized deductions)
- You have 0 to 3 dependents
- You are not claimed as a dependent on someone else's return
- You do not have income from self-employment, rental property, business income, or capital gains
If any of these conditions don't apply to you, use Form 540 instead.
How the 2EZ Table Works
The 2EZ tax table is organized by:
- Filing status — there are three separate tables (Single, Married, Head of Household)
- Income range — your gross income from line 16 of the form
- Number of dependents — columns for 0, 1, 2, or 3 dependents
You find the row matching your income, then look across to the column for your number of dependents. The number shown is your total California income tax after all built-in deductions and credits.
2EZ vs. Form 540: Which Should You Use?
| Feature | Form 540 2EZ | Form 540 |
|---|---|---|
| Income limit | $100,000 | No limit |
| Income types | Wages, interest, dividends, pensions | All income types |
| Dependents | 0–3 | Unlimited |
| Itemized deductions | Not allowed | Allowed |
| Complexity | Very simple | Moderate to complex |
| Self-employment income | Not allowed | Allowed |
How to Use the 2EZ Calculator
- Select your filing status
- Enter your total gross income (the amount from line 16 of Form 540 2EZ, before any deductions)
- Select your number of dependents
- The calculator shows your estimated California tax, along with a full breakdown of how it's calculated
The result closely matches the official FTB 540 2EZ tax table. Small differences of a few dollars may occur due to rounding — the official table rounds at each $100 income increment.
Zero Tax Thresholds for Form 540 2EZ
You owe no California state income tax if your gross income is at or below:
| Filing Status | 0 Dependents | 1 Dependent | 2 Dependents | 3 Dependents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $18,956 | $37,356 | $56,456 | $75,856 |
| Married/RDP Filing Jointly | $37,862 | ~$56,262 | ~$75,362 | ~$94,462 |
| Head of Household | $26,762 | ~$45,162 | ~$64,262 | ~$83,362 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What income goes on Form 540 2EZ Line 16?
Line 16 is your total California income before any deductions. Include wages (W-2 Box 16), California-taxable interest and dividends, unemployment compensation, and pension income. Do not subtract any deductions — the 2EZ table already builds them in.
What if my income is just over $100,000?
If your income exceeds $100,000, the 2EZ table cannot be used. You must file Form 540 using the FTB Tax Rate Schedules.
Is Form 540 2EZ available for Married Filing Separately?
No. The 2EZ is only available for Single, Married/RDP Filing Jointly, and Head of Household. Married/RDP Filing Separately filers must use Form 540.
Does the 2EZ include the SDI (State Disability Insurance) credit?
If excess SDI was withheld, you can still claim that credit on Form 540 2EZ. The 2EZ handles most common credits.
Can I file the 2EZ online?
Yes. The FTB's free CalFile service supports Form 540 2EZ and allows you to e-file directly through ftb.ca.gov. There is no income limit to use CalFile.
For a full breakdown of California's tax system, read our guide on California income tax rates.