CD Calculator — California 2026
Calculate Certificate of Deposit interest for California residents. California taxes CD interest at up to 13.3% state income tax.
Quick Answer
A $10,000 CD at 4.5% APY earns $459.63 in 12 months (monthly compounding) — ending at $10,459.63 before taxes. As a California resident, the $459.63 interest is subject to federal income tax plus California state income tax at up to 13.3%. CDs are FDIC-insured up to $250,000.
Your CD Details
CD Maturity Value — 1 Year
Final Balance
$10,459.40
Interest Earned
$459.40
Effective APY
4.594%
Your $10,000.00 deposit earns $459.40 in interest — a 4.59% total return. Interest is taxable as ordinary income in the year it is received or credited.
Growth Timeline
| Month | Interest This Period | Cumulative Interest | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | $37.50 | $37.50 | $10,037.50 |
| Month 3 | $37.78 | $112.92 | $10,112.92 |
| Month 6 | $38.21 | $227.12 | $10,227.12 |
| Month 9 | $38.64 | $342.61 | $10,342.61 |
| Month 12 | $39.08 | $459.40 | $10,459.40 |
CD Taxation in California
State income tax rate: 1–13.3%
CD interest taxed by California: Yes — taxed as ordinary income at up to 13.3%
Federal tax on CD interest: Yes — taxed at ordinary income rates (10%–37%)
1099-INT reporting: Your bank reports interest over $10 to the IRS and your state (if applicable)
California has the highest top income tax rate in the US at 13.3%. CD interest is fully taxable. High-income CA residents pay up to 50.3% combined (37% federal + 13.3% state) on CD interest.
CD FAQs — California
How is CD interest taxed in California?
CD interest is taxed as ordinary income in California. California has the highest top income tax rate in the US at 13.3%. CD interest is fully taxable. High-income CA residents pay up to 50.3% combined (37% federal + 13.3% state) on CD interest. At the federal level, CD interest is taxed at your marginal rate (10%–37%). Combined federal and California state tax on CD interest: up to 50.3% for top earners. Your bank will issue a 1099-INT for any interest over $10.
What is the best CD rate in California right now?
CD rates in California follow national market rates since they are set by banks and credit unions, not state governments. As of 2026, competitive CD rates range from 4.0% to 5.5% APY. Online banks typically offer higher rates than local branches. Check California-based credit unions for competitive local rates. The FDIC rate tracker and Bankrate provide current top CD rates available to California residents.
Are CDs FDIC-insured in California?
Yes — CDs at any FDIC-member bank are federally insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution, per ownership category. This applies equally to all California residents regardless of state laws. Credit union CDs are insured by the NCUA up to the same $250,000 limit. California residents can open CDs at any FDIC or NCUA-insured institution nationwide — in person or online.
Should I put my savings in a CD or a high-yield savings account in California?
The choice depends on your liquidity needs and rate expectations. CDs offer a guaranteed, locked-in rate — ideal if you won't need the money for a set period and want certainty. High-yield savings accounts are more flexible (no penalty for withdrawal) but rates can change. In California with a 13.3% state tax rate, both CD and savings account interest are taxed identically as ordinary income.
What is the early withdrawal penalty for CDs in California?
Early withdrawal penalties are set by individual banks, not by California state law. Common penalties: 3 months of interest for CDs under 1 year, 6 months of interest for 1–2 year CDs, and 12 months of interest for 3–5 year CDs. Some banks offer no-penalty CDs at slightly lower rates. Before opening a CD as a California resident, understand the penalty terms in case you need the funds before maturity.