Self-Employment Tax Calculator for 2026
Enter your freelance or 1099 income and expenses to see your self-employment tax, federal income tax and how much to set aside.
| Earnings | |
| Platform fees | |
| Cost of goods sold | |
| Mileage deduction | |
| Business expenses | |
| Net profit | |
| Self-employment taxSocial Security + Medicare, 15.3% of 92.35% of profit | |
| Federal income tax | |
| Total federal tax |
How this is calculated
We follow the same steps as Schedule SE and Form 1040:
- Net profit = income − business expenses.
- Net earnings = net profit × 92.35%. If this is under $400, there’s no self-employment tax.
- Social Security = 12.4% of net earnings, up to the $184,500 wage base (less any W-2 wages).
- Medicare = 2.9% of net earnings, plus 0.9% above $200,000 (single).
- Income tax: we subtract half of your self-employment tax, the standard deduction ($16,100 single, $32,200 joint) and the QBI deduction, then apply the 2026 brackets.
If you have a W-2 job, we show only the extra tax caused by your self-employment income, because your employer already withholds tax on your wages.
Figures for tax year 2026. Full method and sources on our methodology page.
Common questions
What is the self-employment tax rate for 2026?
15.3%: 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare. It applies to 92.35% of your net profit. The Social Security part stops once your combined wages and self-employment earnings pass $184,500. An extra 0.9% Medicare tax applies above $200,000 ($250,000 if married filing jointly).
Do I pay self-employment tax and income tax?
Yes. Self-employment tax covers Social Security and Medicare. Income tax is separate and depends on your bracket. You can deduct half of your self-employment tax when working out income tax, and this calculator does that for you.
Is there a minimum before self-employment tax applies?
Yes. If your net earnings from self-employment are under $400 for the year, you don’t owe self-employment tax. Income tax can still apply.
What is the QBI deduction?
The qualified business income deduction lets most sole proprietors deduct up to 20% of their business profit from income tax. It doesn’t reduce self-employment tax. It shrinks at higher incomes, starting at $201,750 of taxable income for single filers in 2026.
Does this include state tax?
No. This is federal only. Most states also tax self-employment income. We’ll add state calculators soon.
Last updated September 28, 2026. This calculator gives an estimate for federal taxes only and isn’t tax advice. State and local taxes aren’t included.