Self-Employment Tax Calculator
Self employment tax calculator: estimate 2026 Social Security and Medicare tax on freelance or 1099 income, plus the deduction.
Editorial review: Farrow (pseudonym; identity and professional credentials are not disclosed). This page is for educational purposes, not professional advice.
Updated
Your inputs
Results update as you type. Nothing you enter leaves your device.
Results
- Social Security portion
- $9,161.12
- Medicare portion
- $2,142.52
- Deductible half
- $5,651.82
- Effective rate on profit
- 14.13%
Example with the starting values
These results use the calculator's initial inputs. Change the values above to calculate your own estimate.
Inputs
- Net self-employment profit
- 80000 $
- W-2 wages (if any)
- 0 $
Results
- Self-employment tax
- $11,303.64
- Social Security portion
- $9,161.12
- Medicare portion
- $2,142.52
- Deductible half
- $5,651.82
- Effective rate on profit
- 14.13%
How does the Self-Employment Tax Calculator work?
Self-employment tax applies to 92.35% of net profit. Social Security is 12.4% up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500 (reduced by any W-2 wages), and Medicare is 2.9% with no cap. Under $400 of net earnings, no SE tax is due.
Half of the SE tax is deductible on Form 1040 when figuring income tax. This does not include the 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax on high earners or your income tax.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What is the self-employment tax rate?
15.3% (12.4% Social Security plus 2.9% Medicare) on 92.35% of net profit, so about 14.13% of net profit.
Can I deduct self-employment tax?
You deduct the employer-equivalent half when computing adjusted gross income. It does not reduce the SE tax itself.
Do I owe it if I also have a W-2 job?
Yes, on your side income. W-2 wages count toward the Social Security wage base, so the 12.4% may apply to less of your profit.
When is self-employment tax due?
Typically through quarterly estimated payments, plus any balance with your annual return.