Self-Employment Tax Calculator (US, 2026)
Estimate your 2026 self-employment tax as a US freelancer or business owner: Social Security and Medicare on net earnings, the deductible half, and what to set aside each quarter.
How self-employment tax works in 2026
If you’re self-employed in the US, you pay Social Security and Medicare yourself: 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare, 15.3% in total. It’s charged on 92.35% of your net earnings — your profit after business expenses.
Social Security applies only up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500, minus any W-2 wages you already earned. Medicare has no cap, and an Additional Medicare Tax of 0.9% applies above $200,000 for single filers ($250,000 married filing jointly). You owe self-employment tax once net earnings reach $400.
The deductible half and quarterly payments
You can deduct half of your self-employment tax when you figure your adjusted gross income. Most freelancers pay estimated tax quarterly with Form 1040-ES — usually by April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15.
What this calculator doesn’t include
It estimates self-employment tax only. Federal and state income tax come on top and depend on your deductions, filing status and state. Figures checked October 2026 against IRS Schedule SE and SSA; this is an estimate, not tax advice — confirm with a CPA or enrolled agent.
How we calculate
SE tax = 92.35% of net profit × (12.4% Social Security up to the $184,500 wage base minus your W-2 wages + 2.9% Medicare). Additional Medicare Tax on self-employment income: 0.9% above $200,000 single / $250,000 joint / $125,000 separate, with the threshold reduced by Medicare wages (both spouses’ when filing jointly). Half of SE tax — not the Additional Medicare Tax — is deductible.
Everything runs in your browser: the numbers you enter are not sent or saved anywhere.
One step
Make sure tax is built into your prices — work out your rate with the hourly rate calculator.
Common questions
How much is self-employment tax in 2026?
15.3% (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare) on 92.35% of net earnings. Social Security applies up to $184,500 in 2026.
Do I pay self-employment tax if I earn under $400?
No. Self-employment tax applies once your net earnings from self-employment reach $400 for the year.
Can I deduct self-employment tax?
Yes — half of it is deductible when calculating your adjusted gross income.
This is an estimate based on your inputs and 2026 rules, not tax advice. Rules change — check with the IRS and a tax professional.
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