Self-Employment Tax Estimator
Calculate your quarterly SE tax payments, deduction breakdown, and effective rate for the 2026 tax year.
Quick Answer
Self-employment tax in 2026 is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare) applied to 92.35% of net self-employment earnings. The Social Security wage base for 2026 is $176,100. You can deduct 50% of your SE tax from gross income, and an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax applies to earnings above $200,000 for single filers.
Your Self-Employment Income
Enter your gross income and business expenses for the year.
Total income before expenses (1099-NEC, 1099-K, cash, etc.)
Schedule C deductions: supplies, home office, software, travel, etc.
If you also have a W-2 job, this affects your Social Security cap.
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About This Tool
The Self-Employment Tax Estimator calculates your federal self-employment taxes based on the 2026 tax year rates. Self-employment tax consists of Social Security tax (12.4%) and Medicare tax (2.9%), applied to 92.35% of your net self-employment income.
If you're a freelancer, independent contractor, sole proprietor, or gig worker who earned $400 or more in net self-employment income, you're required to pay self-employment tax. Unlike W-2 employees who split FICA taxes with their employer, self-employed individuals pay both the employee and employer portions.
How Self-Employment Tax Is Calculated
- Start with net earnings: Gross income minus business expenses (Schedule C)
- Apply the 92.35% factor: Only 92.35% of your net earnings are subject to SE tax
- Calculate Social Security: 12.4% on earnings up to the wage base ($176,100 in 2026)
- Calculate Medicare: 2.9% on all SE earnings, plus an additional 0.9% on earnings above $200,000 (single)
- Deduct half: 50% of your SE tax is deductible on Form 1040, reducing your adjusted gross income
Want a deeper walkthrough of every step? Read our complete guide: How to Calculate Self-Employment Tax in 2026. If you also need help figuring out when and how to pay, see our Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the self-employment tax rate for 2026?
How do I pay quarterly estimated taxes?
Can I deduct self-employment tax?
What happens if I also have W-2 income?
What is the Social Security wage base for 2026?
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