Self-Employment Tax Calculator (2026)
Estimate the tax on freelance or self-employed income, including self-employment tax and federal income tax.
Example self-employment tax
How this calculator works
Self-employment tax is 15.3 percent on 92.35 percent of net profit: 12.4 percent Social Security (up to $184,500) and 2.9 percent Medicare, plus 0.9 percent extra Medicare on high earners. Half of it is deducted before income tax. Federal income tax uses the 2026 brackets and standard deduction. The qualified business income deduction, state tax and credits are not included, so your real bill may be lower.
FAQ
Why is self-employment tax so high?
You pay both the employee and employer halves of Social Security and Medicare.
Do I pay quarterly?
Most self-employed people make estimated tax payments four times a year.
What can reduce it?
Business expenses, retirement contributions and the QBI deduction may lower your tax. Ask a tax professional.
Rates and limits last updated: October 2026. This is an estimate for general information only, not financial, tax or legal advice.