Estimate your 2026 self-employment tax, federal income tax and quarterly estimated payment in seconds. Enter your net profit, filing status, any W-2 wages and your state tax rate; the calculator does the rest.
Self-Employment Tax Calculator (2026)
Estimate your self-employment tax, federal income tax and quarterly payments.
Estimate only, not tax advice. Uses 2026 IRS brackets and standard deduction, the 15.3% self-employment tax (Social Security up to $184,500), the deductible half of SE tax, a simplified QBI deduction and your state rate applied to profit. Assumes your W-2 withholding covers the tax on your wages. Credits, itemized deductions and other income aren’t included. By FreelancerTaxHQ.
How to use the calculator
- Net business profit: your income minus business expenses for the year (or your best estimate). If you’re mid-year, use your expected full-year profit.
- Filing status: single or married filing jointly.
- W-2 wages: salary from a job, if you have one. It changes how much Social Security tax you owe and which tax bracket your business profit falls into.
- State income tax rate: your approximate state rate (0% in states like Texas and Florida).
The results show what your business profit adds to your tax bill, how much to pay each quarter, and the percentage of profit to set aside.
How the calculator works
- Self-employment tax: 15.3% on 92.35% of your profit. The 12.4% Social Security part stops at $184,500 of combined wages and self-employment earnings; the 2.9% Medicare part has no cap.
- Federal income tax: 2026 IRS brackets and standard deduction ($16,100 single, $32,200 joint), after deducting half of your SE tax and the QBI deduction. If you have wages, the calculator shows only the extra income tax caused by your business profit.
- QBI deduction: up to 20% of qualified business income, limited to 20% of taxable income, with the new $400 minimum. If your income is above the 2026 threshold, it warns you that the deduction may be limited.
- State tax: your rate applied to profit after the deductible half of SE tax.
Example results (single, no W-2 job, no state tax)
| Net profit | SE tax | Federal income tax | Total | Quarterly payment | % of profit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $4,239 | $942 | $5,181 | $1,295 | 17% |
| $60,000 | $8,478 | $3,559 | $12,037 | $3,009 | 20% |
| $100,000 | $14,130 | $8,235 | $22,365 | $5,591 | 22% |
| $150,000 | $21,194 | $16,413 | $37,608 | $9,402 | 25% |
What the calculator doesn’t include
It’s designed for a quick, reliable estimate for most freelancers. It doesn’t account for:
- Tax credits (child tax credit, education credits and others).
- Itemized deductions instead of the standard deduction.
- Other income such as investments, rental income or a spouse’s self-employment.
- The self-employed health insurance deduction and retirement contributions (both lower income tax).
- QBI limits for high earners, S-corp taxation, and city income taxes.
For a complete picture, use tax software or talk to a CPA or Enrolled Agent.
What to do with your result
- Set aside the percentage shown from every client payment in a separate savings account. See How Much to Set Aside for Taxes.
- Pay the quarterly amount by April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15. See Quarterly Estimated Taxes.
- Lower your bill legally by tracking every deductible expense. See Self-Employed Tax Deductions.
- Recalculate each quarter as your income changes.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is this self-employment tax calculator?
For a single freelancer or couple with business profit, the standard deduction and no major credits, it’s very close to the real federal result. It uses the official 2026 IRS figures.
Why is my tax lower than 15.3% plus my tax bracket?
Because SE tax applies to 92.35% of profit, half of it is deductible, and the QBI deduction removes up to 20% of your business income from income tax.
Should I use gross income or profit?
Profit: income minus business expenses. Using gross income overstates your tax.
Does it work for 1099 contractors and gig workers?
Yes. It works for any self-employment income reported on Schedule C: freelancers, contractors, rideshare and delivery drivers, creators and sellers.
Is my data saved?
No. The calculator runs entirely in your browser; nothing you type is sent or stored.
This calculator provides estimates for general information only and is not tax advice.
Sources
- IRS releases tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2026 (IRS): single and joint brackets and standard deductions.
- Social Security taxable wage base 2026 (Paycor): $184,500 wage base and rates.
- QBI deduction income limits 2026 (Catalyst CPA): QBI thresholds and the $400 minimum.
The example table was generated with the calculator itself and matches the examples in our other articles.