Freelance Income Tax Calculator
What's your effective tax rate as a freelancer? This calculator computes your total federal income tax using 2026 brackets — including the standard deduction — so you know what you'll actually pay.
How Much to Set Aside for Taxes
Estimate your total tax set aside as a freelancer
Set aside approximately 23.5% of your income for taxes — that's $0.235 of every dollar earned.
Note: Uses 2026 IRS brackets. SE tax is 15.3% on 92.35% of net self employment income. Federal tax is calculated after subtracting the standard deduction and 50% of SE tax. State tax estimates are simplified flat rates by tier. Does not include QBI deduction or itemized deductions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the freelance tax rate for 2026?+
There isn't one "freelance tax rate." Your total federal tax burden includes income tax (10-37% depending on bracket) plus self-employment tax (15.3%). Most freelancers pay an effective federal rate of 22-35% depending on income. State taxes add another 0-13%. This calculator computes your exact federal income tax.
How do I calculate taxes on 1099 income?+
Take your gross 1099 income, subtract business expenses to get net profit. Then: (1) Calculate SE tax on 92.35% of net profit. (2) Calculate income tax on net profit minus half the SE tax minus the standard deduction. (3) Add income tax + SE tax. This calculator does all three steps automatically.
What deductions can freelancers claim?+
Key deductions: business expenses (supplies, software, equipment), home office deduction, health insurance premium deduction, retirement plan contributions (SEP IRA, Solo 401k), half of SE tax deduction, and the qualified business income (QBI) deduction of up to 20% of qualified income.
What is the freelance tax rate for 2026?
There isn't one "freelance tax rate." Your total federal tax burden includes income tax (10-37% depending on bracket) plus self-employment tax (15.3%). Most freelancers pay an effective federal rate of 22-35% depending on income. State taxes add another 0-13%. This calculator computes your exact federal income tax.