Ad · 728×90

Self-Employment Tax Calculator 2026

Self-employment tax (SE tax) is the 15.3% combined Social Security and Medicare tax paid by freelancers, independent contractors, and small business owners. Unlike W-2 employees who split this with their employer, you pay both sides. This calculator breaks down your exact SE tax liability, optional federal income tax estimate, and suggested quarterly payments.

Calculate Your 2026 SE Tax

$
Enter your net profit after all business deductions (Schedule C net profit).
$
W-2 wages, interest, dividends, etc. Used for Additional Medicare Tax threshold and income tax estimate.
Ad · 728×90

Self-Employment Tax: Frequently Asked Questions

Self-employment tax (SE tax) is the combined Social Security and Medicare tax paid by self-employed individuals. While employees split these taxes 50/50 with their employer, self-employed people pay both the employee and employer share — totaling 15.3% of net self-employment income. It covers 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare. You report SE tax on IRS Schedule SE.

The 2026 SE tax rate is 15.3% on the first $184,500 of net self-employment income (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare). Above $184,500, only the 2.9% Medicare portion applies. Additionally, high earners pay the Additional Medicare Tax of 0.9% on income exceeding $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).

Yes. The IRS allows you to deduct 50% of self-employment tax paid as an above-the-line deduction on Schedule 1, Line 15. This deduction reduces your adjusted gross income (AGI) — and therefore your income tax — but it does not reduce the income subject to SE tax itself. For a freelancer paying $10,000 in SE tax, the $5,000 deduction could save $1,100–$2,200 in income taxes depending on their bracket.

No. If your net self-employment income is less than $400 for the year, you are not required to pay self-employment tax or file Schedule SE. However, you may still need to report the income on your Form 1040. The $400 threshold applies to net income (after expenses), not gross revenue.

SE tax is calculated separately from federal income tax — but they interact in two ways. First, you deduct 50% of SE tax from gross income before computing income tax. Second, your net self-employment income (after that deduction) is added to other income and taxed at ordinary income tax rates. Many self-employed individuals are surprised to find their total tax rate (SE + income tax) is 30–40% at mid-range incomes.

Related Calculators

Quarterly Estimated Tax
LLC vs S-Corp Savings
S-Corp Reasonable Salary
Tax Deductions Calculator
Ad · 728×90
Ad · 300×250

2026 Key SE Tax Numbers

SE Tax Rate15.3%
Social Security Rate12.4%
Medicare Rate2.9%
SS Wage Base$184,500
Add. Medicare Rate0.9%
Add. Medicare (Single)>$200K
Add. Medicare (MFJ)>$250K
SE Tax Deduction50%
Min. Income for SE Tax$400
More Calculators
Quarterly Estimated Tax LLC vs S-Corp S-Corp Salary Tax Deductions

Official IRS Resource

File SE tax using Schedule SE (Form 1040).

IRS Schedule SE