Self-Employment Tax Calculator
Estimate your self-employment tax on 1099 or freelance income for 2025 or 2024. See your Social Security tax, Medicare tax, federal income tax, and quarterly estimated payment amounts.
SE Tax
$14,130
Federal Income Tax
$12,060
Total Tax
$26,189
Effective Rate
26.19%
Quarterly Estimated Tax Payment
$6,547
Due: Apr 15, Jun 15, Sep 15, Jan 15
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gross Income | $100,000 |
| Business Expenses | -$0 |
| Net Profit | $100,000 |
| SE Tax Base (92.35%) | $92,350 |
| Social Security Tax (12.4%) | ($11,451) |
| Medicare Tax (2.9%+) | ($2,678) |
| Self-Employment Tax | ($14,130) |
| Half SE Tax Deduction | $7,065 |
| Federal Income Tax | ($12,060) |
| Total Tax | ($26,189) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the self-employment tax rate?
The self-employment tax rate is 15.3%, which consists of 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare. This is effectively double the employee-only FICA rate because self-employed individuals pay both the employee and employer portions. In 2025, the Social Security portion applies to the first $176,100 of net self-employment earnings.
Can I deduct half of my SE tax?
Yes, you can deduct 50% of your self-employment tax as an above-the-line deduction on your federal return (Form 1040, Schedule SE). This deduction reduces your adjusted gross income (AGI) but does not reduce your self-employment tax itself. It is designed to mirror the fact that W-2 employers pay half of FICA and that portion is not taxable to the employee.
How do quarterly estimated payments work?
Self-employed individuals are required to make quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS if they expect to owe $1,000 or more in tax for the year. Payments are due April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year. You can use Form 1040-ES to calculate each payment, which should cover both your income tax and self-employment tax liability.
What is the 92.35% SE tax factor?
Before calculating self-employment tax, the IRS requires you to multiply your net self-employment income by 92.35% (0.9235). This adjustment accounts for the employer-equivalent portion of FICA that W-2 workers never pay tax on. So if you earned $100,000 in net self-employment income, SE tax is calculated on $92,350 rather than the full amount.