Californians Typically Pay More in Federal Taxes Than the State Receives in Federal Support

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Excluding COVID Funds Including COVID Funds

A column chart showing that from federal fiscal year 2015 to federal fiscal year 2023, California contributed more in federal taxes than it received in federal spending in all but one year (2020).

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Note: Dates reflect federal fiscal years (FFYs). Figures reflect dollars in billions. Figures are revised for FFY 2022 and preliminary for FFY 2023.

Source: Rockefeller Institute of Government (2025)Embed Download image