Self-Employment Tax Calculator 2026
Updated for the 2026 tax year · Last updated June 13, 2026
Estimated self-employment tax (2026)
$11,304
Deduct $5,652 (half) on your return · about $2,826 per quarter
| Taxable base (92.35% of net) | $73,880 |
| Social Security (12.4%) | $9,161 |
| Medicare (2.9%) | $2,143 |
| Total SE tax | $11,304 |
Self-employment tax is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security up to the $184,500 wage base + 2.9% Medicare) on 92.35% of net earnings, plus 0.9% additional Medicare above $200,000. You deduct half when figuring income tax. For guidance only, not tax advice.
About this calculator
If you are a freelancer, contractor, or sole proprietor, you owe self-employment tax — both the employer and employee halves of Social Security and Medicare. This calculator applies the 2026 rates to your net earnings and shows the deductible half and roughly what to set aside each quarter.
FAQ
How is self-employment tax calculated in 2026?
Multiply net earnings by 92.35%, then apply 15.3% (12.4% Social Security up to $184,500 + 2.9% Medicare). Income above $200,000 (single) adds 0.9% Medicare. You deduct half of the SS+Medicare portion on your return.
How much should I set aside for self-employment tax?
A common rule of thumb is 25–30% of net income for combined self-employment and federal income tax. This calculator shows the SE portion precisely; use the quarterly estimated tax calculator for the combined figure.
Can I deduct self-employment tax?
You deduct half of the Social Security and Medicare portions of SE tax as an adjustment to income (it lowers income tax, not the SE tax itself).
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2026 federal figures from IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 and Notice 2025-67; SSA wage base. Estimates for guidance only, not tax advice.