Self-Employment Tax Calculator
Enter your estimated annual net freelance profit to see a simple planning estimate. The number is used only in this browser tab; it is not stored or sent to analytics or a server by this calculator.
15.3% planning estimate
Estimated self-employment tax
Why is this only a planning estimate?
The familiar 15.3% combines Social Security and Medicare rates, but actual federal self-employment tax generally starts with 92.35% of net earnings and then depends on the Social Security wage base, other wages, additional Medicare tax, filing situation, and current-year rules. This simple tool intentionally uses net profit × 15.3% so the assumption is visible and easy to audit.
It does not estimate federal income tax, state tax, credits, withholding, deductions beyond the profit you enter, or safe-harbor payments. Use the result as a cash-flow starting point, not as a filed-return calculation.
Tax disclaimer: This is educational software, not tax advice. Tax rules and rates change, and your actual liability may be higher or lower. Confirm the current IRS instructions for Schedule SE and Form 1040-ES, and consult a qualified tax professional for your situation.
Track the deductions behind your estimate
The Freelancer Tax Workbook provides printable deduction, income, quarterly-payment, mileage, and year-end worksheets.
Get the Workbook — $9 Instant Download❓ Common questions
- What is self-employment tax?
- Self-employment tax covers Social Security and Medicare for people who work for themselves. The familiar 15.3% combines the two rates, but actual federal self-employment tax generally starts with 92.35% of net earnings and then depends on the Social Security wage base, other wages, additional Medicare tax, filing situation, and current-year rules.
- How does this self-employment tax calculator work?
- Enter your estimated annual net self-employment profit and the calculator applies a clearly labeled 15.3% planning rate to show an estimate, a suggested monthly set-aside (estimate ÷ 12), and a suggested quarterly set-aside (estimate ÷ 4). Everything runs in your browser tab — nothing is stored or sent to a server.
- Is 15.3% the exact self-employment tax rate I will pay?
- No — 15.3% is a planning estimate, not a filed-return calculation. Actual liability depends on 92.35% of net earnings, the Social Security wage base, other wages, additional Medicare tax, your filing situation, and current-year rules. The calculator does not estimate federal income tax, state tax, credits, withholding, or deductions beyond the profit you enter. Confirm current IRS instructions for Schedule SE and Form 1040-ES.
- How much should a freelancer set aside for self-employment tax?
- As a cash-flow starting point, set aside the suggested monthly amount (your 15.3% estimate ÷ 12) each month, or the suggested quarterly amount (÷ 4) before each estimated payment deadline. This is a planning number only — your actual liability may be higher or lower, so confirm current IRS instructions for Schedule SE and Form 1040-ES.
- Is my financial data saved or sent anywhere?
- No. The calculator runs entirely in your browser — no account, no email, and no server-side calculator is used. The number you enter is used only in the current browser tab and is not stored or sent to analytics or a server.
© 2026 Juncture Logic · Calculations run in your browser. No account, email, or server-side calculator is used.