Self-Employment Tax Calculator (1099)
Estimate your self-employment and federal income taxes as a freelancer or contractor.
Business Details
Total earnings before any deductions.
Software, supplies, home office, mileage, etc.
Tax Profile
Estimated Total Tax Owed
$8,258
Effective Tax Rate: 16.5%
Income & Tax Breakdown
* This calculator provides a simplified estimate for Federal Income and Self-Employment taxes. It assumes a standard deduction and a 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction. It does not include state or local taxes.
The Double Taxation of Freelancers
When you work a standard W-2 job, your employer pays half of your Social Security and Medicare taxes. When you are self-employed (1099), you are both the employer and the employee, meaning you are responsible for the entire 15.3% tax rate. This is called the Self-Employment Tax, and it is paid in addition to your regular federal income tax.
How to Lower Your Tax Bill
1. Track Every Expense
Every dollar you spend on your business (software, internet, travel, home office) reduces your Net Income. Since both SE Tax and Income Tax are based on Net Income, expenses give you a double tax benefit.
2. The QBI Deduction
The Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction allows most self-employed individuals to deduct up to 20% of their net business income from their income taxes. (This calculator automatically estimates this for you).
Frequently Asked Questions
The self-employment tax rate is 15.3%. This consists of two parts: 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare. As a W-2 employee, your employer pays half of this, but as a 1099 contractor, you must pay the full amount.
Yes. Self-employment tax only covers Social Security and Medicare. You still have to pay standard federal and state income taxes on your net business income.
You can deduct "ordinary and necessary" business expenses. Common deductions include software subscriptions, home office expenses, business mileage, marketing costs, and professional services (like hiring an accountant).