💼 Self-Employment Tax Calculator
For Freelancers, Contractors & Small Business Owners — 2026
How Self-Employment Tax Works
Unlike W-2 employees who split FICA with employers, self-employed individuals pay both the employee and employer portions.
Enter Net SE Income
Total self-employment income after business expenses (gross revenue minus deductible expenses).
Add Business Deductions
Home office, equipment, software, vehicle mileage, health insurance premiums, etc.
View SE Tax & Quarterly Payments
See your total SE tax, the deductible half, and what you need to pay quarterly to avoid IRS penalties.
Self-Employment Tax Formula
SS Tax = Net Earnings × 12.4% (on up to $184,500)
Medicare Tax = Net Earnings × 2.9% (all earnings)
SE Tax = SS Tax + Medicare Tax
Deductible Half = SE Tax × 50%
Quarterly Payment = (SE Tax + Federal Income Tax) ÷ 4
Example: Freelancer Earning $60,000/year
Net SE Income: $60,000
SE Taxable (×92.35%): $55,410
SE Tax (15.3%): $8,478 (SS: $6,871 + Medicare: $1,607)
Deductible Half: $4,239 (reduces federal taxable income)
Quarterly Payment: ~$2,120/quarter
Frequently Asked Questions
Employees pay 7.65% FICA and employers match it. As self-employed, you pay both halves: 12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare = 15.3%.
Yes — you can deduct 50% of your SE tax as an above-the-line deduction, reducing your federal taxable income (but not the SE tax itself).
Q1: April 15 | Q2: June 15 | Q3: September 15 | Q4: January 15 of next year. Missing payments can result in underpayment penalties.
If net self-employment income is under $400, you do not owe SE tax. However, you still may owe federal income tax on that amount.