Self-employment tax calculator
See what you owe on your 1099 income, how much to save from each payment, and your four quarterly payments.
Estimated federal tax for 2026
$0
That is 0 % of your income.
- You keep $0
- Self-employment tax $0
- Income tax $0
Quarterly estimated payments
- Q1$0Apr 15, 2026
- Q2$0Jun 15, 2026
- Q3$0Sep 15, 2026
- Q4$0Jan 15, 2027
See the full breakdown
| Net earnings (profit x 92.35 %) | - |
|---|---|
| Social Security (12.4 %) | - |
| Medicare (2.9 % + 0.9 % extra) | - |
| Deduction for half of SE tax | - |
| QBI deduction (20 %) | - |
| Taxable income | - |
At this income the QBI deduction can be limited, so the income tax shown may be too low.
Assumes the standard deduction and no other income or credits. State tax not included.
How self-employment tax is worked out
- 1Net earnings
Multiply your profit by 92.35 %.
- 2Social Security
12.4 % up to $184,500. W-2 wages count first.
- 3Medicare
2.9 % on everything, plus 0.9 % above $200k / $250k.
- 4Deduction
Half of the tax lowers your income tax.
You owe nothing if your net earnings are under $400. Read the full guide: what is self-employment tax.
Questions
What is the self-employment tax rate for 2026?
It is 15.3 % of 92.35 % of your net profit: 12.4 % for Social Security on the first $184,500 and 2.9 % for Medicare on all of it. An extra 0.9 % Medicare applies above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).
Do I pay self-employment tax if I earn under $400?
No. If your net earnings from self-employment are under $400 for the year, you owe no self-employment tax. You may still owe income tax.
Is self-employment tax on top of income tax?
Yes. Self-employment tax pays for Social Security and Medicare. Income tax is separate. Half of your self-employment tax is a deduction that lowers your income tax.
How much should I set aside from each 1099 payment?
Use the percentage this calculator shows. For most freelancers and gig drivers it falls between 15 % and 30 % of profit, before state tax.
When are quarterly estimated taxes due for 2026?
April 15, 2026, June 15, 2026, September 15, 2026 and January 15, 2027. You usually need to pay quarterly if you expect to owe $1,000 or more when you file.
Sources
Last updated November 3, 2026. Figures for tax year 2026 from IRS and SSA sources.