Self-Employment Tax Calculator (2026)

Freelancer or 1099 contractor? Estimate your Social Security and Medicare taxes with the current 2026 IRS figures.

Your business

Gross self-employment income ($/yr)

Business expenses ($/yr)

Filing status

Estimated self-employment tax (2026)

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Social Security (12.4%)

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Medicare (2.9%)

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Deductible half

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Where your SE tax goes

Social Security vs. Medicare share

How self-employment tax works in 2026

When you work for an employer, Social Security and Medicare taxes are split between you and the company. Freelancers pay both halves: 15.3% total — 12.4% Social Security plus 2.9% Medicare — applied to 92.35% of your net profit. For 2026, the Social Security portion stops at the $184,500 wage base; Medicare has no cap, and an extra 0.9% applies above $200,000 ($250,000 married filing jointly).

Two silver linings: business expenses reduce your taxable profit dollar-for-dollar, and you deduct half of your SE tax from your income before income tax is calculated. The home office deduction is one of the most commonly missed, and our state-by-state guide explains why this federal tax is identical wherever you live.

Frequently asked questions

Do I owe SE tax on a side hustle?

Yes — if your net self-employment earnings reach $400 or more in a year, you must file Schedule SE, even if freelancing isn't your main job.

Is SE tax on top of income tax?

Yes. Self-employment tax replaces the payroll taxes an employer would withhold; you still owe regular federal (and possibly state) income tax on your profit. Use our Quarterly Tax Calculator for the combined picture.

How can I lower my SE tax?

Track every legitimate business expense — software, home office, equipment, mileage — since each dollar of expense cuts roughly 14 cents of SE tax. At higher profits, an S-corp election can also reduce SE tax; talk to a CPA.