Taxes

I was talking to a classmate about nursing in California, but was discouraged when we discussed tax deductions. I hope someone could clarify this for me.

I was told that the nurses get taxed over 50% of their gross income. I found this absurd. This individual said that although nurses make on average $65,000 gross income, as a result of such a high tax bracket, the net income is roughly $35,000. That is why this person will not work in California.

I apologize for such a stupid question, but I need an answer. I found it hard to believe, considering California was one of the highest paid states in the U.S.

http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/layoutscripts/swzl_compresult.asp?jobcode=HC07000274&jobtitle=Staff+Nurse+-+RN+-+Intensive+Care+Unit&jobtitlecomp=&narrowcode=HC05&narrowcodecomp=&narrowdesc=Healthcare+--+Nursing&zipcode=&metrocode=&statecode=CA&geo=Anaheim%2C+California&geocomp=&pagenumber=5&iscompare=&comparetype=&openlink=&state=California&metro=Anaheim&city=&searchpage=&isgeometro=0&isforcompanalyst=1&r=salswz_swzresbtn_psr&p=&paycheckcalc=1&taxyear=2005&paycheckstate=California&grosspay=65000&grossfreq=a&grossytd=&paypd=26&fedstatus=1&fedexemps=0&additionalfit=0&roundfed=0&statestatus=1&stateexemps=0&additionalsit=0&deductionnum=0&fterangecode=

If you click on this I put in $65,000 and it looks like it turns out to be $40,530. You can change the estimate if you want. I don't live in CA and I have no idea what they actually end up with, but it sucks if they have to pay so much taxes! I would like to hear from someone who lives there, caz I'd like to move there one day.

I work 60 hours every two weeks with a registry shift or teaching a class on occasion.

Looking at a recent stub for two weeks (120 hours) pay gross was about $3,000.00.

Federal tax (two deductions (DH) was $415.00 (rounded

State $120,00

OASDI (workmans comp, I think)

Medicare $51.04

State SDI (disability insurance) $40.00

I used to pay less yearly becausu of the mortgage. I pay a lot more because the house is paid for. Better not to have the debt and pay higher taxes.

Let those with young kids and house payments take the deductions. I feel rich.