2026 Self-Employment Tax Calculator
Estimate your self-employment tax, federal income tax, state tax, and what to set aside each quarter. Updated for 2026 rates.
Estimate your self-employment and quarterly taxes for 2026
This free self-employment tax calculator estimates the total tax a freelancer or 1099 contractor owes for 2026 — the 15.3% self-employment tax, federal income tax, state income tax, and the amount to set aside for each quarterly estimated payment. It runs entirely in your browser, with no signup and no data leaving the page.
Enter your expected freelance income, business expenses, filing status, and state. The calculator nets out your expenses, applies the 92.35% adjustment and the 20% qualified business income (QBI) deduction, runs your income through the 2026 federal brackets, and adds your state. The result is a clear per-quarter number — what to actually move into savings every time you get paid.
What is self-employment tax?
Self-employment tax is how the self-employed pay into Social Security and Medicare. A W-2 employee splits that 15.3% with an employer; a freelancer pays the whole thing. It applies to 92.35% of your net business profit — 12.4% for Social Security up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500, plus 2.9% for Medicare with no income cap. You owe it once net self-employment earnings reach $400.
Self-employment tax vs. income tax
These are two separate taxes, and freelancers owe both. Self-employment tax is the flat 15.3% described above. Federal income tax is charged on top, at your marginal bracket rate, after the standard deduction and the QBI deduction. Add state income tax in most states and the combined bite typically lands around 25–35% of net profit — which is why setting money aside from every payment matters.
How to lower your self-employment tax
The most direct lever is deductions: every legitimate business expense lowers net profit, and net profit is what self-employment tax is calculated on. Track mileage, your home office, software, and supplies carefully. Retirement contributions to a SEP-IRA or Solo 401(k) reduce income tax, and at higher profit levels an S-corp election can reduce the self-employment tax itself. TaxClover's free tools cover each of these.
2026 quarterly estimated tax due dates
| Quarter | Income period | Payment due |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2026 | Jan 1 – Mar 31 | April 15, 2026 |
| Q2 2026 | Apr 1 – May 31 | June 15, 2026 |
| Q3 2026 | Jun 1 – Aug 31 | September 15, 2026 |
| Q4 2026 | Sep 1 – Dec 31 | January 15, 2027 |
See the full breakdown on the 2026 quarterly tax due dates page.
Frequently asked questions
What is self-employment tax?+
Self-employment tax covers Social Security and Medicare for people who work for themselves. It's 15.3% — 12.4% Social Security on earnings up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500, plus 2.9% Medicare with no cap — applied to 92.35% of your net business profit.
How much should I set aside for taxes as a freelancer?+
A common rule of thumb is 25–30% of net freelance income, but the right number depends on your total income, filing status, and state. This calculator gives you a specific percentage instead of a guess.
When are 2026 quarterly taxes due?+
April 15, 2026; June 15, 2026; September 15, 2026; and January 15, 2027. If a date lands on a weekend or holiday, it shifts to the next business day.
Is this calculator tax advice?+
No. It's a planning estimate using 2026 figures. It is not a filed return and not a substitute for a CPA or IRS Form 1040-ES. Confirm anything important with a tax professional.
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