Calculate your self-employment tax, quarterly payments, and estimated total tax.
2026 Tax Rates: SE tax 15.3%, Social Security wage base $168,600. This calculator provides estimates—consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Enter Your Income Details
$
Gross income minus business expenses (Schedule C net profit)
$
Include W-2 wages, interest, etc. for better income tax estimate
Self-Employment Tax
$0
Social Security (12.4%) + Medicare (2.9%)
Complete Tax Breakdown
Net SE income$0
× 92.35% (taxable amount)$0
Social Security tax (12.4%)$0
Medicare tax (2.9%)$0
= Total SE Tax$0
½ SE tax deduction−$0
Estimated income tax$0
TOTAL ESTIMATED TAX$0
Quarterly Estimated Payments
$0
Pay this amount 4 times per year to avoid penalties
Q1: April 15
Q2: June 15
Q3: September 15
Q4: January 15
Effective Tax Rate
0%
Take-Home
$0
Ways to Reduce Your Tax Burden
• Maximize business deductions (home office, equipment, travel)
• Contribute to SEP-IRA (up to 25% of net income) or Solo 401(k)
• Deduct health insurance premiums if self-employed
The 92.35% factor simulates the employer half deduction that W-2 employees receive. You can also deduct half of your SE tax when calculating income tax.
2026 Federal Tax Brackets (Single)
Income
Rate
$0 - $11,600
10%
$11,601 - $47,150
12%
$47,151 - $100,525
22%
$100,526 - $191,950
24%
$191,951 - $243,725
32%
$243,726 - $609,350
35%
$609,351+
37%
Note: These are marginal rates. Self-employment tax (15.3%) is separate and in addition to income tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.01What is self-employment tax?
Self-employment tax is Social Security (12.4%) and Medicare (2.9%) taxes for people who work for themselves. Total: 15.3%. Employees split this with employers; self-employed pay both halves.
Q.02How is self-employment tax calculated?
SE Tax = Net Self-Employment Income × 92.35% × 15.3%. The 92.35% adjustment (multiplying by 0.9235) mimics the employer portion deduction. You can also deduct half of SE tax from income tax.
Q.03Do I have to pay quarterly taxes?
If you expect to owe $1,000+ in taxes for the year, you should make quarterly estimated payments. Due dates: April 15, June 15, September 15, January 15. Avoid underpayment penalties.
Q.04Can I reduce self-employment tax?
Legitimate deductions reduce your net income and thus SE tax. Options: Home office deduction, health insurance premiums, retirement contributions (SEP-IRA, Solo 401k), business expenses. An S-Corp election may help high earners.
Q.05What's the self-employment tax rate for 2026?
The SE tax rate is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare). Social Security applies up to $168,600 in 2024. Above that, only the 2.9% Medicare portion applies. Additional 0.9% Medicare on income over $200,000.
Q.06Is self-employment tax in addition to income tax?
Yes. You pay BOTH self-employment tax (15.3%) AND federal income tax (10-37% depending on bracket). The good news: you can deduct half of SE tax when calculating income tax.