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Self-employment tax calculator 2026

Freelancers, contractors and sole proprietors pay both halves of Social Security and Medicare: 15.3% on 92.35% of net profit — 12.4% Social Security up to the $184,500 wage base plus 2.9% Medicare (3.8% above $200,000). On $80,000 of profit that is about $11,304, half of which is deductible from income tax. Income tax is on top — estimate it with the income tax calculator.

Your numbers

Net profit from self-employment (Schedule C)
W-2 wages this year (if any)

Result

Self-employment tax
Social Security (12.4%)
Medicare (2.9% + 0.9%)
Taxable base (92.35%)
Deductible half
Per quarterly payment

Frequently asked

Why 92.35%?

The law lets you deduct the employer-equivalent half (7.65%) before applying the 15.3% rate, so the base is 100% − 7.65% = 92.35% of net profit.

Do I pay self-employment tax on top of income tax?

Yes. SE tax replaces the FICA an employer would withhold; federal and state income tax apply to the profit as well, minus half the SE tax.

When is it due?

Quarterly estimated payments (April 15, June 15, September 15, January 15) if you expect to owe $1,000 or more; the calculator shows one quarter of the SE tax.