Income and Expenses to Include for Child Support Calculations in California

While you can estimate Child Support by just looking at your pay-stub, and seeing what you bring home, when you use the official California state calculator, it will ask for additional information to determine a more exact number. The courts may also ask you for a “Dissomaster” report, which is similar to the state calculator, and is run on Dissomaster software available at the courthouse.

Net Income

Net Income = Income – Expenses (as described below)

Income

  • Salary or Hourly pay
  • Self-Employment income
  • Unemployment compensation
  • Disability (taxable)
  • Social Security Income (Taxable)
  • Other Income (Retirement, Annuity, SS Other Relationship, Operating Losses, etc.)
  • Short-Term Capital Gains
  • Long-Term Capital Gains
  • Line 4e from IRS Form 4952
  • Unrecaptured Section 1250 Gain
  • Nonqualified Dividends
  • Qualified Dividends
  • Interest Received
  • Royalties
  • Rental Income

If this person has re-married, need to also include the new spouse’s income items.

Expenses

  • State Income taxes
  • State Disability Insurance (SDI)
  • Federal Income taxes
  • Child Support Paid (from Other Relationships)
  • Required Union Dues