Self-Employment Tax Calculator
Estimate SE tax & what to set aside each quarter
Self-employed or freelancing in the US? Enter your net profit to estimate your self-employment tax and a quarterly amount to set aside so tax season isn't a shock.
How self-employment tax works
SE tax is the self-employed version of the Social Security and Medicare taxes an employer would normally split with you — 15.3% on 92.35% of your net profit (Social Security applies up to an annual wage cap; Medicare has no cap). You also owe regular income tax on top, which is why we include an income-tax-rate field. Half of your SE tax is deductible against income tax, and that's reflected here.
Estimate only — not tax advice. Brackets, caps and deductions change and vary by situation and state. Confirm with a tax professional or the IRS.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I set aside for self-employment taxes?
A common rule of thumb is 25–30% of net profit, but it depends on your income-tax rate. This calculator estimates a specific quarterly figure for you.
What is the self-employment tax rate?
15.3% (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare) on 92.35% of net profit, with Social Security applying up to the annual wage base.