Self-Employment Tax Calculator
Estimate SE tax, income tax, and take-home pay for 1099 freelancers.
Self-Employment Tax Breakdown
| Category | Amount |
|---|
Full Tax Breakdown
| Category | Amount | Rate |
|---|
Official Tax Rate Sources
This calculator provides estimates only. It uses the standard deduction and does not account for itemized deductions, tax credits, local/city taxes, or other adjustments. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation. U.S. federal and state taxes only.
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
Can't find what you need?
Request a ToolHow to Use the Self-Employment Tax Calculator
This calculator estimates total taxes for freelancers, independent contractors, and other self-employed individuals who receive 1099 income. Follow these steps:
- Select your tax year and filing status. The calculator uses the official IRS rates and standard deduction for each year.
- Choose your state. State income tax is calculated on your total income. States with no income tax will show $0.
- Enter your net self-employment income. This is your business revenue minus deductible business expenses (what would appear on Schedule SE). The calculator applies the 92.35% factor automatically.
- Enter other income. If you also earn W-2 wages or other income, include it here. This affects your tax bracket but is not subject to SE tax.
- Review results. See the SE tax breakdown (Social Security and Medicare portions), the deductible half of SE tax, federal income tax, state tax, and your estimated take-home pay.
About Self-Employment Tax
Self-employment tax is the self-employed equivalent of FICA taxes that W-2 employees share with their employer. When you are self-employed, you pay both the employer and employee portions: 12.4% for Social Security (up to the wage base) and 2.9% for Medicare, totaling 15.3%.
The IRS allows you to deduct the employer-equivalent half of SE tax from your gross income when calculating income tax. This deduction reduces your taxable income but does not reduce the SE tax itself. The 92.35% multiplier applied to net SE income accounts for the fact that employees only pay FICA on wages, not on the employer's FICA contribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the self-employment tax rate?
The self-employment tax rate is 15.3% on 92.35% of your net self-employment income. This breaks down to 12.4% for Social Security (up to the annual wage base) and 2.9% for Medicare. If your income exceeds $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly), an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax applies.
Can I deduct self-employment tax?
You can deduct the employer-equivalent portion (half) of your SE tax as an above-the-line deduction on your income tax return. This reduces your adjusted gross income and your income tax, but it does not reduce your self-employment tax itself. This deduction is available whether you itemize or take the standard deduction.
Do I have to pay SE tax on all 1099 income?
SE tax applies to net earnings from self-employment of $400 or more. This includes 1099-NEC income from freelancing and business profits reported on Schedule C. However, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, and most 1099-MISC payments (like rent) are not subject to SE tax. Only income from active trade or business qualifies.
Do I need to make quarterly estimated tax payments?
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in tax for the year, the IRS requires quarterly estimated payments (due April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15). Divide your estimated annual tax by four to determine each payment. Missing these deadlines can result in underpayment penalties.