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1099 Self-Employment Tax Calculator

Working as an independent contractor, freelancer or gig worker? No one withholds taxes for you. Estimate your self-employment tax, federal income tax and quarterly payments so April does not bring a surprise.

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Quarterly estimated payment-

Total estimated federal tax-

Net profit-

Self-employment tax-

Income tax (est.)-

Set aside per $100 earned-

2026 tax-year payment deadlines

Apr 15, 2026Q1
Jun 15, 2026Q2
Sep 15, 2026Q3
Jan 15, 2027Q4

General estimate, not tax advice. Uses 2026 figures: 15.3% self-employment tax on 92.35% of net profit (Social Security portion capped at the $184,500 wage base), half of SE tax deducted, the 20% QBI deduction, the standard deduction and 2026 federal brackets. Texas has no state income tax. If you have W-2 withholding, it already covers part of the income tax shown.

How the 1099 Self-Employment Tax Calculator works

Net profit is your 1099 income minus business expenses. Self-employment tax is 15.3% of 92.35% of that profit: 12.4% for Social Security (up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500, shared with any W-2 wages) and 2.9% for Medicare.

For income tax, half of your self-employment tax is deducted, then the standard deduction and the 20% qualified business income (QBI) deduction are applied before using 2026 federal brackets. Texas has no state income tax.

Divide the total by four for an even quarterly estimated payment. This is general information, not tax advice. Talk to a tax professional about your situation.

Tips from our recruiters

Set aside 25–30% of every payment in a separate savings account the day it arrives.
Track mileage and expenses all year; every deductible dollar lowers both income tax and self-employment tax.
If you also have a W-2 job, raising your withholding there can cover tax on your side income.

Frequently asked questions

How much should I set aside for taxes as a 1099 contractor?

Many contractors set aside 25 to 30 percent of net income to cover self-employment tax and federal income tax. Use the calculator to get a figure for your income and filing status.

When are quarterly estimated taxes due for 2026?

For 2026 income, estimated payments are due April 15, 2026, June 15, 2026, September 15, 2026 and January 15, 2027.

What is the self-employment tax rate?

It is 15.3 percent: 12.4 percent for Social Security up to the annual wage base and 2.9 percent for Medicare, applied to 92.35 percent of net self-employment earnings.

Do independent contractors in Texas pay state income tax?

No. Texas has no personal income tax, so contractors there pay federal income tax and self-employment tax only.