Self-Employment Tax Calculator
Calculate your 15.3% SE tax (Social Security + Medicare) and the 50% above-the-line deduction for any net profit amount.
Use CalculatorSelf-Employment Tax Tools for Freelancers & Small Business Owners
Accurate 2026 tax calculations for independent contractors, sole proprietors, and small business owners. Know exactly what you owe before the IRS comes calling.
15.3%
SE Tax Rate
$184,500
SS Wage Base
$0.70/mi
Mileage Rate
$16,100
Std Deduction (Single)
2026 Tax Calculators
Free, no-signup-required tools built on current IRS rates.
Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator
Figure out how much to pay each quarter to avoid underpayment penalties. Includes 2026 due dates and safe harbor rules.
Use CalculatorLLC vs S-Corp Tax Comparison
See the break-even point and potential tax savings from electing S-Corp status versus staying as a sole proprietor or LLC.
Use CalculatorS-Corp Reasonable Salary Calculator
Estimate an IRS-defensible reasonable salary for your profession. Minimize audit risk while maximizing distribution income.
Use Calculator1099 vs W-2 Tax Calculator
Compare the true after-tax take-home pay between contractor (1099) and employee (W-2) compensation offers.
Use CalculatorSelf-Employed Tax Deductions
Estimate deductions for home office, mileage, health insurance, SEP-IRA contributions, and more on Schedule C.
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2026 Key Tax Numbers
All figures reflect IRS-published 2026 inflation adjustments.
| Tax Item | 2026 Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Employment Tax Rate | 15.3% | 12.4% SS + 2.9% Medicare |
| Social Security Wage Base | $184,500 | 12.4% SS tax applies up to this amount |
| Additional Medicare Tax Rate | 0.9% | Applies above $200K (single) / $250K (MFJ) |
| SE Tax Deduction | 50% | Deduct half of SE tax from gross income |
| Standard Deduction — Single | $16,100 | Schedule A alternative to itemizing |
| Standard Deduction — Married (MFJ) | $32,200 | |
| Standard Mileage Rate | $0.70/mi | Business use of personal vehicle |
| Home Office (Simplified) Max Deduction | $1,500 | $5/sq ft × max 300 sq ft |
| SEP-IRA Contribution Limit | $70,000 | 25% of net SE income, max $70K |
| Solo 401(k) Employee Limit | $23,500 | + $7,500 catch-up if age 50+ |
| QBI Deduction | 20% | Of qualified business income; income limits apply |
Tax Guides for Self-Employed
Plain-English explanations of the rules that matter most.
Quarterly Tax Dates 2026
All four estimated tax due dates, income periods, and safe harbor rules to avoid IRS penalties.
- Q1: April 15, 2026
- Q2: June 16, 2026
- Q3: September 15, 2026
- Q4: January 15, 2027
LLC vs S-Corp: Full Guide
Understand when an S-Corp election saves you money on SE tax and when the added costs outweigh the benefits.
Read GuideHow Much to Set Aside for Taxes
A practical guide to estimating your total federal tax burden and setting aside the right percentage from every payment.
Read GuideMileage Rate 2026: $0.70/Mile
How to claim the standard mileage deduction, what records you need, and when the actual-expense method is better.
Read Guide