<prompt> Human: Im in California. I make over 200k a year, but once I got over 150k I started to notice 30 was being taken for taxes. So to take home 100k, one actually must make 150k. I contribute 10 into 401k and 10 into a IRA already. I on average owe around 15k per year due to capital gain taxation. So my total I every year I pay around 65k, So is there any other options to lower my taxes?  <response>: You are confusing withholding with what you actually owe in taxes. Your employer has to follow the IRS withholding schedule. That doesnt necessarily mean you will owe the exact amount withheld when you file your return. You may get a refund on what was withheld. For instance, many people have significant mortgage interest that they deduct, which would lower your taxes. 