Freelance & Contractor
Self-Employment Tax Estimator
Estimate your U.S. self-employment tax (Social Security + Medicare) from net self-employment income. See the deductible half and effective rate.
Know the numbers
How to use this calculator
Enter your net self-employment income. Optionally enter other W-2 income if you have wages from an employer.
A worked example
$80,000 net SE income with no other W-2: Social Security ≈ $9,161, Medicare ≈ $2,143, total SE tax ≈ $11,304. Deductible half ≈ $5,652.
The calculation
SE tax base = net income × 92.35%. Social Security = min(base, $168,600 − other W-2) × 12.4%. Medicare = base × 2.9%. Deductible half = total SE tax ÷ 2. Net SE income below $400 is not subject to SE tax.
Before you use the result
This uses 2024 Social Security wage base ($168,600) and standard SE tax rates. It does not include state taxes, additional Medicare tax (0.9% over $200K), or estimated tax penalties. Consult a tax professional.
Common scenarios
Use this calculator whenever you need to verify your hours, check a paycheck, or prepare a timecard submission. The result is the same arithmetic the payroll department uses, displayed in a form you can inspect.
Calculation methodology: View formulas, limits, and corrections
Common questions about Self-Employment Tax Estimator
What is the self-employment tax rate?
The SE tax rate is 15.3%: 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare. It applies to 92.35% of your net self-employment income.
Do I have to pay self-employment tax?
Yes, if your net self-employment income exceeds $400. The IRS requires you to file Schedule SE with your annual return.
What is the deductible half of SE tax?
You can deduct half of your SE tax from your gross income. This reduces your adjusted gross income (AGI) and your federal income tax.
A little guidance, when you need it
Freelance Taxes: SE Tax & Quarterly Payments
Understand self-employment tax, federal income tax, and quarterly estimated payments for U.S. freelancers and 1099 contractors.
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