Federal + state · Tax year 2026 · Estimates only
If you earn 1099 / freelance / Schedule C income, you generally pay self-employment tax (Social Security + Medicare) plus income tax. There is no employer withholding — so most people also plan quarterly estimated payments.
Step 2 — Details
Employee paycheck? Open the paycheck calculator.
Total estimated tax · 2026
$15,856.20
SE tax $9,891 · Quarterly ~$3,964
Effective ~22.7% of net profit
Enter prior-year total tax (Form 1040 line 24) for IRC §6654 safe harbor Underpayment risk if you pay less than the recommended quarterly.
Tables reviewed 2026-07-22. Methodology
Enter gross income and expenses to see SE tax (on 92.35% of net), half-SE deduction, a simplified QBI estimate, federal and state income tax, and a suggested quarterly amount. Add prior-year tax to compare the safe-harbor floor.
Related: United States paycheck calculator · Methodology · All business tax tools
Generally 15.3% (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare) on 92.35% of net earnings, with Social Security capped at the annual wage base and Additional Medicare above statutory thresholds.
A common approach is total estimated tax ÷ 4. If you enter prior-year tax, we also show the safe-harbor amount (100% or 110% of prior year) so you can avoid underpayment penalties.
Section 199A can allow up to 20% of qualified business income. High income and specified service trades (SSTBs) can phase it out — this calculator shows 20% as a ceiling and warns when limits may apply.
No. Paycheck calculators model W-2 withholding. This tool is for self-employed / 1099 net profit. Use both if you have mixed W-2 and 1099 income.