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Self-Employed (1099) Tax Calculator

Calculate your self-employment tax, quarterly estimates, and take-home pay as a 1099 contractor.

Updated June 2026 · Editorial standards

Your details

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$
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Leave at $0 if self-employment is your only income.

Net take-home
$46,324
Total tax
$21,676
Effective rate
27.1%
Quarterly payment
$5,419

Your $80,000 in freelance income nets $46,324 after $21,676 in taxes (27.1% effective rate). Set aside $5,419/quarter for estimated taxes.

Where your income goes

Effective tax burden

LightVery Heavy
Moderate27.1% effective rate

SE tax alone is $9,608 (15.3% of SE base). Combined federal + state + SE tax totals $21,676.

Tax breakdown

ItemAmountNote
Net profit$68,000Gross income minus business expenses
SE deduction$4,804Half of self-employment tax (deductible)
AGI$63,196Net profit − SE deduction + other income
Standard deduction$14,6002024 single standard deduction
Taxable income$48,596AGI minus standard deduction
Federal income tax$5,7442024 federal brackets on taxable income
State tax$6,3249.3% on net profit (CA)
SE tax$9,608Social Security + Medicare (15.3% of 92.35%)
Total tax$21,676Federal + state + SE tax
By the KalkWise Editorial Team Reviewed for accuracy Updated June 2026

What is the self-employed tax calculator?

In short

Self-employed individuals pay 15.3% self-employment tax on net earnings (12.4% Social Security up to $168,600 + 2.9% Medicare), then deduct half of SE tax from gross income before computing regular income tax.

This calculator computes your self-employment tax, estimated quarterly payments, deductible business expenses, and net take-home pay for 1099 contractors and freelancers. It shows your effective total tax rate and optimal quarterly payment schedule.

How to use this calculator

  1. 1Enter your gross freelance or 1099 income for the year.
  2. 2Enter your deductible business expenses (home office, equipment, software, mileage, health insurance premiums).
  3. 3Select your filing status and state.
  4. 4Enter any other income (W-2 wages, spouse income) that affects your total tax bracket.
  5. 5View your SE tax, income tax, total tax, and quarterly estimated payment amounts.

The formula

SE tax=net profit×92.35%×15.3%
AGI=net profit−SE tax2+other income
SE tax = net profit × 92.35% × 15.3% (the 92.35% factor accounts for the employer-equivalent deduction). Half of SE tax is then deducted from gross income to compute AGI for federal income tax bracket purposes.
SE tax
— Self-employment tax (15.3% on 92.35% of net profit)
Net profit
— Gross 1099 income minus deductible business expenses
AGI
— Adjusted Gross Income — net profit minus half of SE tax, plus other income

Worked example

The scenario

gives

The result

Common use cases

  • Freelancers estimating taxes before April filing
  • New 1099 contractors setting aside the right percentage
  • Calculating quarterly estimated tax payment amounts
  • Comparing sole proprietor vs. S-Corp taxation above $60K income
  • Deduction optimization for home office, health insurance, and retirement contributions

Limitations & assumptions

  • State rates shown are flat estimates; many states have progressive brackets
  • Does not calculate S-Corp salary vs. distribution optimization
  • Health insurance deduction rules have eligibility requirements
  • Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction (Section 199A) not included — consult a CPA for that calculation

Frequently asked questions

The SE tax rate is 15.3%: 12.4% for Social Security (on the first $168,600 of net earnings) and 2.9% for Medicare (no income cap). Above $200,000 net earnings (single) or $250,000 (married), an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax applies. You calculate SE tax on 92.35% of net profit (allowing for the employer-equivalent deduction).

Disclaimer: KalkWise calculators are provided for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the figures you enter and the assumptions described above. Actual outcomes will vary. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.