💰 Self-Employment Tax Calculator

Estimate your 2026 self-employment tax, deductible amount, and quarterly payments in seconds.

📊 Net Self-Employment Income

Your total 1099 income minus business expenses.

📅 Tax Year

🏢 W-2 Wages (if any)

Used to check if you've exceeded the Social Security wage base.

📍 State of Residence

For quarterly payment reference only. SE tax itself is federal — state selection adjusts estimated quarterly payment guidance.

Self-Employment Tax

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Deductible Portion

50% of SE tax is deductible

Effective Rate

After deduction adjustment

Component	Amount	Rate
Net SE Income (after 92.35% adjustment)	$0	92.35% of income
Social Security (OASDI)	$0	12.4% on adjusted net
Medicare (HI)	$0	2.9% on adjusted net
Additional Medicare Tax	$0	0.9% above threshold
Total SE Tax	$0	15.3% + extra
Deduction (employer-equivalent)	−$0	50% of SE tax

📆 Estimated Quarterly Payments

Suggested quarterly payments to avoid underpayment penalties.

Q1 (Apr 15)

Q2 (Jun 15)

Q3 (Sep 15)

Q4 (Jan 15)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is self-employment tax?

Self-employment tax consists of Social Security (12.4%) and Medicare (2.9%) taxes paid by individuals who work for themselves. It's the self-employed equivalent of FICA taxes paid by employees and employers.

How is the SE tax calculated?

Net income × 92.35% × 15.3%. The 92.35% adjustment accounts for the employer-equivalent portion being deductible. In 2026, the Social Security portion (12.4%) only applies up to the $184,500 wage base.

Can I deduct half of my SE tax?

Yes. You can deduct 50% of your self-employment tax as an adjustment to income on Form 1040, Schedule 1. This deduction reduces your AGI.

Do I need to pay quarterly estimated taxes?

If you expect to owe more than $1,000 in tax, the IRS generally requires quarterly estimated payments. The 4 dates are Apr 15, Jun 15, Sep 15, and Jan 15 (next year).

⚖️ This calculator provides estimates only. Tax laws vary by situation. Consult a CPA or tax professional for your specific case.

📖 Learn more about self-employment tax

Understand how SE tax works and how to plan ahead.

Read the Guide →