Filing Status
Tell us how you file so we can apply the right brackets and standard deduction.
Step 1 of 6
Step 1
Filing status
How do you file your federal taxes?
This determines your standard deduction and bracket thresholds.
Step 2
Income sources
What is your annual income?
Enter sample figures — all fictional. Wages + any side income.
W-2 Wages / SalaryFrom employment — Box 1 of W-2
$
Net Rental IncomeSchedule E gross rent minus expenses
$
Self-Employment / 1099Net after business expenses
$
Federal Tax WithheldBox 2 of W-2 — what was already paid
$
Step 3
Household
Tell us about your household.
Used for both tax credits and benefits eligibility thresholds.
Household sizeTotal people including yourself
Dependent childrenUnder 17 — qualifying for child tax credit
Children under 5WIC eligibility applies
Elderly or disabled in householdAffects CalFresh shelter cap
Step 4
Deductions & expenses
Any deductions or expenses to apply?
These reduce your taxable income and your countable income for benefits.
Mortgage interest paid
Schedule A itemized or included in rental expenses
Childcare / dependent care
Reduces CalFresh countable income & qualifies for care credit
Out-of-pocket medical expenses
Excess above $35/mo reduces CalFresh net income
Personal shelter costs (rent/mortgage)
Your own housing cost — CalFresh shelter deduction
Student loan interest deduction
Up to $2,500 above-the-line deduction
Mortgage interest (annual)Form 1098 Box 1
$
Childcare expenses (annual)Daycare, preschool, aftercare
$
Out-of-pocket medical (annual)Copays, prescriptions, premiums
$
Personal rent / mortgage (monthly)What you pay for your own housing
$
Student loan interest paid (annual)Form 1098-E
$
Step 5
Benefits eligibility
Benefits eligibility snapshot
Based on your sample inputs. These are estimates only — a county worker confirms.
CalFresh net income calculation
Complete
Estimate worksheet
Your estimate worksheet
Sample figures — confirm with a tax preparer before filing.
Notes & caveats
- All figures use fictional sample data. No real tax, benefits, or personal advice.
- Federal brackets approximate 2025 rates. A preparer applies current IRS tables.
- CalFresh / WIC thresholds reflect FY2026 Alameda County guidance — verify for your county and year.
- Medi-Cal MAGI eligibility is income-tested separately; county Medi-Cal worker confirms.
- SE tax on self-employment income is estimated at 14.13%; deductible half reduces AGI.