1099 Self-Employment Tax Calculator 2026
Estimate your 15.3% self-employment tax, federal income tax and quarterly payments as a freelancer or independent contractor for the 2026 tax year.
- No signup · No data storedNo signup · No data stored · Runs 100% in your browser
- Live results as you type
Advanced optionsTax year, deductions and other settings (sensible defaults already applied)
Reduces remaining Social Security wage base for SE tax.
Your quarterly estimated tax
Set aside $4,065 a quarter
$16,261/year total tax · effective rate 20.3%
Show calculationEvery step, the rule behind it and the official source
1. Self-employment tax
- Social Security (12.4%)$9,161
On 92.35% of net profit ($73,880), up to $184,500 of remaining wage base · IRS: Self-employment tax
- Medicare (2.9%, plus 0.9% above the threshold)$2,143
- Self-employment tax$11,304
2. Federal taxable income
- Net profit$80,000
- Half of self-employment tax$5,652
Deductible from income · IRS: Self-employment tax
- QBI deduction (20%)$14,870
Simplified: 20% of profit after the half-SE-tax deduction
- Standard deduction$16,100
- Federal taxable income$43,379
3. Federal income tax
- Tax on brackets$4,957
$0–$12,400 @ 10% $12,400 × 10% = $1,240 $12,400–$50,400 @ 12% $30,979 × 12% = $3,717 - Federal income tax$4,957
4. Total tax
- Self-employment tax$11,304
- Federal income tax$4,957
- Total tax$16,261
- Quarterly estimated payment (total ÷ 4)$4,065
Each line is rounded for display, so adding the rounded lines can differ from the total by 1.
Full breakdownTables, chart and tax-saving tips
Self-Employment Tax (15.3%)
On 92.35% of your net profit.
Total SE Tax
$11,304
Federal & State Income Tax
After half-SE-tax and QBI deductions.
Net Income After Tax
$63,739
| Estimated Payment | Typical Due Date | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | April 15 | $4,065 |
| Q2 | June 15 | $4,065 |
| Q3 | September 15 | $4,065 |
| Q4 | January 15 (next year) | $4,065 |
Understanding Self-Employment Tax
When you're self-employed — freelancing, consulting, or running a small business — you don't have an employer splitting Social Security and Medicare contributions with you. Instead, you pay the full 15.3% Self-Employment (SE) tax yourself: 12.4% for Social Security (on up to $184,500 of net earnings for 2026) and 2.9% for Medicare (uncapped, plus an extra 0.9% if your combined wages and self-employment income exceed $200,000 single / $250,000 married filing jointly). SE tax is calculated on 92.35% of your net profit, not the full amount, to roughly mirror how a W-2 employee's employer-paid share isn't taxed as income.
The upside: you can deduct half of your SE tax from your taxable income, and many self-employed taxpayers also qualify for the 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction under Section 199A, which further lowers your federal income tax (subject to income thresholds and business-type limitations not modeled here). Because no employer withholds tax from your income, the IRS expects quarterly estimated payments — typically due April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year — to avoid an underpayment penalty.
Note: This calculator provides a simplified estimate. It does not model QBI phase-outs for specified service businesses, self-employed health insurance deductions, SEP-IRA/Solo 401(k) contributions, or local taxes. State tax uses 2026 rules for CA, GA, IL, NJ, NY, NC, OH and PA, or the flat rate you enter — consult a tax professional for a precise number.
If you also have a W-2 job, estimate that side with the paycheck calculator.
Figures are illustrative estimates based on 2026 federal tax rules and are not tax advice.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the self-employment tax rate in 2026?
15.3% of net self-employment earnings: 12.4% for Social Security (on combined wages and self-employment earnings up to $184,500) and 2.9% for Medicare. It applies to 92.35% of your net profit, and a further 0.9% Medicare tax applies above $200,000 for single filers.
Do I have to pay quarterly estimated taxes?
Generally yes, if you expect to owe $1,000 or more when you file. Payments are due around April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15.
Can I deduct part of my self-employment tax?
Yes. Half of your self-employment tax is deductible from your income when calculating income tax, which this calculator applies automatically.
What is the QBI deduction?
The qualified business income deduction lets many sole proprietors deduct up to 20% of their business income. It is now permanent, but it is limited or phased out at higher incomes and for certain service businesses.
Do I owe tax if I didn't get a 1099 form?
Yes. All self-employment income is taxable whether or not a client sends a 1099-NEC. For payments made in 2026, clients generally issue one only when they pay you $2,000 or more in the year.
When are 2026 quarterly estimated taxes due?
April 15, June 15 and September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027. If a date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, a payment made on the next business day is on time.
Keep calculating
Related calculators
Paycheck Calculator
Estimate your net paycheck after Federal tax, FICA (Social Security & Medicare) and state tax.
OpenBonus Tax Calculator
See your net bonus after the 22% federal supplemental rate (or aggregate method), FICA and state withholding.
Open401(k) Paycheck Calculator
Find the true cost of a pre-tax 401(k) contribution: how much it really lowers your take-home pay.
OpenSales Tax Calculator
Add sales tax to a price or back it out of a receipt total, using any state's rate plus your local rate.
OpenFederal Tax Refund Estimator
Estimate your 2026 refund or balance due from W-2 wages and withholding, with the child tax credit and the new tips and overtime deductions.
OpenHourly to Salary Calculator
Convert an hourly wage to a yearly salary or back, and see your after-tax pay per hour, month and year by state.
Open