For 1099 contractors, freelancers & gig workers. Estimate your SE tax, income tax, and quarterly estimated payments — so you know exactly how much to set aside.
Total income from 1099-NEC, 1099-K, gig apps, freelance, etc.
Mileage, supplies, home office, software, etc. Lowers your taxable profit.
If you also have a regular W-2 job, enter those wages for a more accurate estimate.
Add this free self-employment tax calculator to your own website — just copy and paste the code below.
When you work for an employer, you and the employer split Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes — you each pay 7.65%. When you're self-employed (a 1099 contractor, freelancer, or gig worker), you pay both halves: a combined 15.3% self-employment tax (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare). This is on top of regular federal and state income tax, which is why setting money aside each quarter is so important.
The IRS generally requires quarterly estimated payments if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in tax for the year and don't have enough withheld from a W-2 job. This applies to most full-time freelancers and gig workers.
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Rideshare & Delivery
Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart
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Freelancers
Upwork, Fiverr, contract work
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Independent Contractors
Trades, consultants, 1099 roles
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Small Sellers
Etsy, eBay, online stores
How is self-employment tax calculated?
Your net profit (income minus business expenses) is multiplied by 92.35%, then by 15.3%. The Social Security portion (12.4%) only applies up to the annual wage base; the Medicare portion (2.9%) applies to all earnings.
What are the 2026 quarterly due dates?
April 15, 2026 (Q1), June 15, 2026 (Q2), September 15, 2026 (Q3), and January 15, 2027 (Q4). If a date falls on a weekend or holiday, it moves to the next business day.
Can business expenses lower my tax?
Yes — legitimate business expenses reduce your net profit, which lowers both your self-employment tax and income tax. Keep accurate records and receipts.
Is this calculator a substitute for filing taxes?
No. This is a planning estimate only. It does not file taxes, does not account for every credit or deduction, and is not a substitute for professional tax advice or the IRS Form 1040-ES worksheet.