Freelance & Self-Employment Tax
Stop guessing how much you owe. These calculators break down your self-employment tax, federal income tax, and quarterly payments — so you don’t get hit with penalties.
Every calculator below is free, runs in your browser, and is updated with 2026 tax rates and limits. No signup, no email — just your answer in seconds.
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 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.
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.
Freelancer Effective Tax Rate Calculator
What's your real tax rate? This calculator shows your effective federal tax rate — the percentage you actually pay after deductions, SE tax adjustments, and brackets. Most freelancers are surprised by the number.
Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction Calculator
Self-employed? You can deduct 100% of your health insurance premiums. This calculator shows exactly how much you save — including the interaction with other deductions and the income limitation.
Home Office Deduction Calculator
Working from home? The home office deduction is one of the most underused freelancer tax breaks. This calculator compares the simplified and regular methods to show which one saves you more.
1099 Income Tax Calculator
Got a 1099 this year? This calculator shows exactly what you owe in taxes on your 1099 income — including self-employment tax, federal income tax, and the deductions that reduce your bill.
Self-Employment Tax vs. W-2 FICA Calculator
Freelancers pay both halves of FICA (15.3%) while W-2 employees pay only half (7.65%). This calculator shows the exact dollar difference — and why freelancers need to earn more to match the same take-home.
Freelancer QBI Deduction Calculator
The Qualified Business Income deduction lets freelancers deduct up to 20% of business income — but the rules are complex. This calculator shows your exact QBI deduction and the tax savings.
Freelancer Health Insurance Cost Calculator
How much does health insurance really cost as a freelancer? This calculator estimates ACA marketplace premiums based on your age, income, and plan type — and shows your self-employed tax deduction.
Tax Extension Calculator
Need more time to file your taxes? This calculator shows your extended deadline (October 15), exactly how much to pay with Form 4868 to avoid penalties, and what it costs if you skip the extension.
Side Hustle Income Tax Calculator
Working a W-2 job and freelancing on the side? This calculator shows the exact tax impact of your side income — including SE tax, additional withholding needed, and quarterly payment amounts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is self-employment tax calculated?+
Self-employment tax is 15.3% of your net self-employment income: 12.4% for Social Security (on the first $184,500 in 2026) plus 2.9% for Medicare (with no income limit). The IRS lets you calculate on 92.35% of net earnings, and you can deduct half of the SE tax from your gross income.
Do freelancers pay both self-employment tax and income tax?+
Yes. Self-employment tax covers Social Security and Medicare (the employer + employee portions). Federal income tax is separate and calculated on your taxable income after deductions. You pay both — but the SE tax deduction and business expense deductions reduce your income tax.
How much should I pay in quarterly taxes?+
The IRS requires you to pay estimated taxes if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes for the year. For most freelancers, paying 100-110% of last year's total tax (110% if AGI > $150k) across four equal quarterly payments avoids underpayment penalties. This calculator computes your quarterly amount automatically.
When are quarterly tax payments due?+
Quarterly estimated taxes are due: Q1 (Jan 1 – Mar 31) → April 15; Q2 (Apr 1 – May 31) → June 15; Q3 (Jun 1 – Aug 31) → September 15; Q4 (Sep 1 – Dec 31) → January 15 of the following year. Miss a deadline and the IRS charges penalties — even if you overpay for the year.
Do I have to pay taxes on my side hustle income?+
Yes. The IRS taxes all income — whether it's from your main job, freelance work, or a weekend gig. Side hustle income is subject to income tax plus self-employment tax (15.3%). Your W-2 withholdings only cover your main job; you need to account for the additional income separately.
How much tax should I set aside from my side hustle?+
A common rule of thumb is setting aside 25-30% of net side hustle income for federal taxes (income tax + SE tax). However, your actual rate depends on your total income, filing status, and deductions. This calculator gives you the exact number instead of guessing.
Why Use Freelance & Self-Employment Tax?
Stop guessing how much you owe. These calculators break down your self-employment tax, federal income tax, and quarterly payments — so you don’t get hit with penalties. Every calculator is free, runs in your browser, and stores no data. Get instant, actionable results with detailed breakdowns and explanations.
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