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 U.S. 2026 self-employment tax for planning 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.
Quick answer
This self employed tax calculator estimates U.S. self-employment tax only: Social Security, Medicare, and Additional Medicare Tax. It does not estimate federal income tax, state/local tax, or total tax liability.
What this does not estimate
What this estimates
- Net earnings from self-employment using the standard 92.35% adjustment.
- Self-employment tax components: Social Security and Medicare.
- Additional Medicare Tax threshold check based on filing status.
- 2026 Social Security wage-base cap handling for the Social Security portion.
Use this in your pricing math
Treat this as planning input, not a full-return answer. Feed the estimate into your reserve assumptions, then pressure-test revenue and rates with the Revenue Goal Calculator and Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator.
Sources and assumptions
Model assumptions follow IRS self-employment-tax guidance and SSA wage-base publications for 2026. This page estimates self-employment tax mechanics only and does not model full return interactions.
- Federal income tax, state tax, or local tax.
- Credits, QBI, most deductions, penalties, or quarterly payment schedules.
- A complete return outcome or exact filing obligation.
{
"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.