Self-Employment Tax Calculator

Calculate the 15.3% self-employment tax on your freelance, gig, or business income. SE tax covers Social Security and Medicare when you're self-employed.

📅 Tax Year:

🧮 Calculate SE Tax

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Total revenue minus business expenses
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Reduces SS portion if near wage base

How It Works

Self-employment tax is the self-employed person's equivalent of FICA taxes. You pay both the employee AND employer portions:

  • Social Security: 12.4% (two halves of 6.2%)
  • Medicare: 2.9% (two halves of 1.45%)
  • Total: 15.3%

Key Rules

  1. 92.35% Rule: Only 92.35% of net earnings are subject to SE tax (equivalent to treating the employer portion as a deduction)
  2. SS Wage Base: Social Security portion only applies to earnings up to $184,500 (2026). If you also have W-2 wages, they count toward this limit first.
  3. Deductible Half: You can deduct half of SE tax as an adjustment to income, reducing your income tax.

Formula

SE Earnings = Net Earnings × 92.35%
SS Tax = min(SE Earnings, Wage Base - W2 Wages) × 12.4%
Medicare Tax = SE Earnings × 2.9%
Total SE Tax = SS Tax + Medicare Tax

Examples

Example 1: $60,000 Net Earnings

  • SE Earnings: $60,000 × 92.35% = $55,410
  • SS: $55,410 × 12.4% = $6,871
  • Medicare: $55,410 × 2.9% = $1,607
  • Total: $8,478
  • Deductible half: $4,239

Example 2: $100,000 SE + $100,000 W2

  • SE Earnings: $92,350
  • SS subject: $184,500 - $100,000 = $84,500
  • SS Tax: $84,500 × 12.4% = $10,478
  • Medicare: $92,350 × 2.9% = $2,678
  • Total: $13,156

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as self-employment income?
Income from freelancing, gig work (Uber, DoorDash), sole proprietorships, partnerships, and most 1099-NEC income. Also includes profit from businesses you operate.
Is there a minimum to pay SE tax?
SE tax applies if net earnings are $400 or more. Below that threshold, you don't owe SE tax.
Do I also owe income tax?
Yes! SE tax is separate from income tax. You'll owe both federal income tax and SE tax on self-employment income.
What is the 92.35% rule?
This adjustment treats the employer-equivalent portion as deductible before calculating SE tax, similar to how employers don't pay FICA on their own FICA contributions.
Does Additional Medicare Tax apply?
Yes, if combined wages and SE income exceed $200,000 (single), you may owe an additional 0.9% Medicare tax on the excess.
How do I pay SE tax?
Through quarterly estimated tax payments (Forms 1040-ES) and when you file your annual return (Schedule SE).

Use Cases

  • Freelancers and independent contractors — estimate the SE tax owed on 1099-NEC income before filing season.
  • Gig workers (rideshare, delivery, etc.) — understand how much of your earnings go toward Social Security and Medicare.
  • Side-hustle earners with a W-2 job — see how W-2 wages reduce the Social Security portion of SE tax.
  • Sole proprietors and partners — calculate the deductible half of SE tax to lower your adjusted gross income.
  • Tax-planning scenarios — model different income levels to set aside the right amount for quarterly estimated payments.

Assumptions & Limitations

  • Calculations use the standard 92.35% factor applied to net self-employment earnings.
  • The Social Security wage base is $184,500 for 2026 and $176,100 for 2025.
  • The Additional Medicare Tax (0.9% above $200,000 for single filers) is not included in this calculator.
  • This tool does not account for state-level self-employment or income taxes.
  • Net earnings should already reflect business deductions (expenses, depreciation, etc.).
  • Results are estimates for planning purposes only. Consult a qualified tax professional or the IRS for your exact liability.

Sources & References

  • IRS Schedule SE (Form 1040) Instructions
  • IRS Publication 334 — Tax Guide for Small Business
  • 26 U.S. Code § 1401 — Rate of self-employment tax
  • Social Security Administration — 2026 OASDI contribution base
  • IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-11 — 2026 inflation-adjusted amounts
  • IRS Publication 505 — Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax

This calculator is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Always verify figures with official IRS publications or a licensed tax professional.

Quarterly Estimated Tax 1099 vs W-2 Federal Income Tax FICA Tax Mileage Deduction Home Office Business Expenses