Does this calculate federal income tax?
No. This estimates U.S. self-employment tax for Social Security, Medicare, and Additional Medicare Tax only. It does not estimate federal income tax.
Self-Employed Tax Calculator
Estimate the self-employment tax side of freelancing without pretending this is your whole tax return.
This estimates U.S. self-employment tax only. It does not estimate federal income tax, state tax, local tax, deductions, credits, penalties, or your total tax bill.
For a deeper explanation, read how to estimate self-employment tax as a freelancer.
Source notes: This educational estimator uses 2026 Social Security wage-base information from the Social Security Administration and self-employment tax / Additional Medicare Tax guidance from the IRS. IRS self-employment tax, IRS Topic 554, SSA contribution base, SSA 2026 base determination.
{
"taxYear": 2026,
"netEarningsFromSelfEmployment": 46175,
"socialSecurityTax": 5725.7,
"medicareTax": 1339.08,
"additionalMedicareTax": 0,
"totalSelfEmploymentTax": 7064.78,
"deductibleEmployerEquivalentPortion": 3532.39,
"warnings": []
}Self-employment tax FAQ
What is the self-employment tax rate?
The self-employment tax rate is 15.3%, made up of 12.4% Social Security tax and 2.9% Medicare tax. Additional Medicare Tax can apply above certain thresholds.
Why does the calculator use 92.35% of net earnings?
IRS guidance generally uses 92.35% of net earnings from self-employment when figuring self-employment tax.
What is the 2026 Social Security wage base?
The 2026 Social Security contribution and benefit base is $184,500. The Social Security portion is capped by that base; Medicare is not.
Is this tax advice?
No. OwnerMath provides educational business math, not tax, legal, accounting, or financial advice.
OwnerMath provides educational business math, not tax, legal, accounting, or financial advice. This calculator estimates one part of U.S. self-employment tax planning and does not replace a qualified tax professional.