Self-Employment Tax Calculator 2026
Estimate your Schedule SE tax – Social Security, Medicare, and quarterly payments. For informational purposes only.
These are equal ¼ planning estimates. Actual IRS requirements depend on when income is earned. Safe harbor: pay 100% of last year's tax (110% if prior AGI exceeded $150,000) in 4 equal installments.
Quarterly payments required? Generally yes if you expect to owe $1,000 or more when you file.
State income tax not included. Rates vary from 0% (TX, FL, NV, and 6 other states) to 13.3% (CA top bracket). Check your state's tax authority website for accurate rates.
2026 Self Employment Tax Rates
Who uses this calculator?
Official IRS resources
What is self-employment tax?
Self-employment (SE) tax is the Social Security and Medicare tax paid by people who work for themselves. When you’re an employee, your employer covers half of these taxes — but when you’re self-employed, you pay both halves, which is why the rate feels higher than what W-2 workers see on their paychecks.
The SE tax rate is 15.3% on net earnings — 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare. However, it’s calculated on 92.35% of your net self-employment income (not 100%), because the IRS allows you to treat the “employer” half as a deduction. This is the Schedule SE formula.
If your net SE income is $400 or more in a tax year, you’re required to calculate and pay self-employment tax by filing Schedule SE with your Form 1040.
2026 SE tax rates & limits
| Component | Rate | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | 12.4% | Up to $184,500 |
| Medicare | 2.9% | No limit |
| Addl. Medicare | 0.9% | Over $200k (single) |
| Total (under wage base) | 15.3% | — |
| Net earnings factor | 92.35% | — |
2026 quarterly due dates
| Quarter | Period* | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Jan – Mar | April 15, 2026 |
| Q2 | Apr – May | June 16, 2026 |
| Q3 | Jun – Aug | Sept 15, 2026 |
| Q4 | Sep – Dec | Jan 15, 2027 |
Frequently asked questions about SE tax
How do I calculate self-employment tax?
Multiply your net self-employment income by 92.35% to get your “net earnings from self-employment.” Then apply 15.3% to that number (12.4% Social Security up to the wage base of $184,500, plus 2.9% Medicare on all earnings). That total is your SE tax owed. You can then deduct 50% of that amount from your gross income when calculating your income tax.
What's the difference between self-employment tax and income tax?
SE tax covers Social Security and Medicare — it’s a separate calculation from federal income tax. You pay both. SE tax is calculated on Schedule SE, while income tax is calculated on Form 1040 using tax brackets. This calculator only estimates your SE tax. Your income tax will depend on your total income, deductions, and filing status.
Do I owe SE tax if I only have a side hustle?
Yes — if your net self-employment earnings from any source (freelancing, gig work, selling online, etc.) exceed $400 in a tax year, you owe SE tax on that income. This applies even if you also have a W-2 job where taxes are already withheld.
What counts as a business expense I can deduct?
Common deductible expenses for self-employed people include home office costs, internet and phone bills (business portion), mileage and vehicle expenses, software subscriptions, equipment and supplies, professional development, advertising, and health insurance premiums. Keep receipts and records for everything you claim.
Can I avoid paying SE tax?
You can legally reduce it by maximizing deductible business expenses (which lower your net income) and by contributing to a SEP-IRA or Solo 401(k), which reduces your taxable income. Some business structures like S-Corps can also reduce SE tax exposure, but come with additional compliance requirements. Consult a CPA for your situation.
Is this calculator accurate for 1099 income?
Yes — 1099-NEC and 1099-K income are treated as self-employment income for tax purposes. Enter your total net 1099 earnings (after expenses) and this calculator will apply the correct Schedule SE formula. For platform income like Uber, DoorDash, or Etsy, use your net earnings after platform fees and expenses.