Free tool · 2026 tax year
Self-employment tax calculator
See roughly what you’ll owe in self-employment tax and federal income tax, and how much to set aside for each quarterly estimated payment.
- Social Security (12.4%)
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- Medicare (2.9%)
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- Additional Medicare (0.9%)
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- Self-employment tax
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- Deduction for half of SE tax
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- Standard deduction
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- QBI deduction
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- Taxable income
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- Federal income tax
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- Top tax bracket
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2026 due dates: April 15, 2026 · June 15, 2026 · September 15, 2026 · January 15, 2027
An estimate for planning, not tax advice. Federal only (no state or local tax), no credits, standard deduction assumed. Figures from IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 and the SSA 2026 wage base.
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How self-employment tax works
When you work for an employer, they pay half of your Social Security and Medicare tax. When you’re self-employed, you pay both halves yourself. That’s 15.3% in total: 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare.
- It’s worked out on 92.35% of your net profit, not the full amount.
- Social Security only applies to the first $184,500 of combined wages and self-employment earnings in 2026.
- Medicare has no cap, and an extra 0.9% applies above $200,000 ($250,000 married filing jointly).
- You can deduct half of it when working out your income tax.
- If your net earnings are under $400, you don’t owe self-employment tax.
Common questions
What is self-employment tax?
It's Social Security and Medicare tax for people who work for themselves. Employees split it with their employer; when you're self-employed you pay both halves: 12.4% Social Security (on earnings up to $184,500 in 2026) plus 2.9% Medicare on everything, on 92.35% of your net profit.
Do I have to pay quarterly estimated taxes?
Usually, yes, if you expect to owe $1,000 or more for the year after withholding and credits. Paying four installments avoids underpayment penalties. Many people pay through IRS Direct Pay or EFTPS.
When are the 2026 quarterly payments due?
April 15, 2026, June 15, 2026, September 15, 2026 and January 15, 2027. If a date falls on a weekend or holiday, it moves to the next business day.
Is half of self-employment tax deductible?
Yes. You deduct half of your Social Security and Medicare self-employment tax when working out your adjusted gross income. This calculator does that for you.
What is the QBI deduction?
The qualified business income deduction lets many sole proprietors deduct up to 20% of their business profit from taxable income. Above about $201,750 of taxable income ($403,500 married filing jointly) extra limits apply; this calculator phases it out as if your business has no employees, which can understate it for some businesses.
Does this include state tax?
No. It covers federal income tax and self-employment tax only. Most states also tax self-employment income, and some cities do too.
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