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.
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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.
Related Free Calculators
Self-Employment Tax Calculator
How much do freelancers actually pay in SE tax? This calculator breaks down the 15.3% self-employment tax, including the 92.35% adjustment and the one-half deduction most people miss.
Quarterly Tax Calculator
Freelancers don't have taxes withheld — that means quarterly payments. This calculator tells you exactly how much to pay each quarter (April 15, June 15, September 15, January 15) based on your income.
Side Hustle Tax Calculator
Got a W-2 job but also freelance on the side? Your W-2 withholdings might not cover the extra income. This calculator shows exactly how much more you'll owe in taxes from your side hustle.
Freelance Tax Deduction Calculator
Freelancers leave thousands on the table by missing deductions. This calculator shows you exactly how much your business deductions reduce your tax bill — in real dollars, not just percentages.
Quarterly Tax Deadline Calculator
Missed a quarterly deadline? This calculator shows if you owe penalties, how much they are, and exactly when your next payment is due. Never miss a quarterly deadline again.
Quarterly Tax Penalty Calculator
Missed a quarterly tax payment? This calculator shows exactly how much the IRS underpayment penalty costs you — and whether it's worth filing an amended return to minimize the damage.