Self-Employment Tax Estimator
The 15.3% SE tax catches most freelancers off guard. Enter your numbers and see exactly what you'll owe — Social Security, Medicare, and the federal/state taxes that come on top.
Total 1099 / freelance income before expenses
$
Deductible expenses (software, home office, mileage…)
$
⚠️ Estimates only. Tax rates updated for 2026. Consult a CPA for advice specific to your situation.
Self-employment tax
$21,194
28.3% of net profit · on $75,000
SE tax breakdown
Social Security (12.4% up to $176,100)$17,177
Medicare (2.9%, no cap)$4,017
Half deductible from federal income tax−$10,597
Total tax picture
SE tax$21,194
Federal income tax$5,783
State income tax (MD)$4,313
Total tax owed$31,289
Effective rate (on gross)39.1%
Take-home$48,711
Why SE tax exists. W-2 employees split FICA with their employer (7.65% each). As a freelancer you pay both halves — 15.3% on 92.35% of your net profit. The good news: you deduct half of it against your federal income tax, which the breakdown above already factors in.