Self-Employment Tax Calculator 2026
Calculate 2026 self-employment tax (Social Security + Medicare) for freelancers, contractors and sole proprietors — with the half-SE-tax deduction and the $184,500 Social Security wage base.
Estimates only — not tax advice. Tax rules change and depend on your situation; check with the tax authority or a tax professional.
How to use
- 1Enter your net profit (income minus business expenses).
- 2Add any W-2 wages you also earned (they share the Social Security cap).
- 3See your SE tax and the deduction you get for half of it.
How it's calculated
SE tax = 92.35% × net profit × (12.4% Social Security up to $184,500 minus W-2 wages + 2.9% Medicare). Half of it is deductible from income. An extra 0.9% Medicare applies above $200,000 ($250,000 joint).
Frequently asked questions
Why 92.35%?
It mirrors the employer half of FICA that an employee never sees: you pay SE tax on 100% − 7.65% of your profit.
Is SE tax in addition to income tax?
Yes. Self-employed people pay both — income tax on profit (after the half-SE-tax deduction and possibly the 20% QBI deduction) and SE tax.
When is SE tax due?
Pay it through quarterly estimated taxes: April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15.