Self-Employment Tax Calculator — Calculate SE Tax and Income Tax
Calculate self-employment tax and estimated quarterly payments for freelancers 1099 contractors and sole proprietors in the United States for 2026.
Self-employed individuals in the US face a unique tax burden: self-employment tax of 15.3% on net earnings (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare) plus regular federal income tax. Unlike W-2 employees who split Social Security and Medicare with their employer self-employed people pay both halves. However you can deduct half of SE tax from your adjusted gross income and claim legitimate business expenses to reduce your tax bill.
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Key Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Self-Employment Tax Rate | 15.3% (up to $168600 for SS) |
| Social Security Portion | 12.4% (employee + employer) |
| Medicare Portion | 2.9% (+ 0.9% above $200000) |
| Quarterly Payment Deadlines | Apr 15, Jun 15, Sep 15, Jan 15 |
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Use Calculator NowFrequently Asked Questions
How much tax does a freelancer pay on $100000?
On $100000 net self-employment income: SE tax = $100000 × 92.35% × 15.3% = $14130. Half of SE tax ($7065) is deductible. Federal income tax on $100000 - $7065 - $15700 (standard deduction) = $77235 taxable income. Federal tax approximately $12700. Total federal taxes: approximately $26830 or about 26.8% effective rate. State taxes are additional.
What business expenses can I deduct?
Common deductible expenses include: home office (simplified method: $5/sq ft up to 300 sq ft = $1500)
internet and phone (business percentage)
computer and equipment
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Last updated: March 2026