2026 · IRS Compliant · Free
Self-Employment Tax Calculator 2026
Calculate your exact SE tax as a gig worker, freelancer, or independent contractor. Covers Social Security (12.4%), Medicare (2.9%), the 50% SE deduction, and QBI. No signup, no paywall — all math runs in your browser.
Self-employment tax is 15.3% on 92.35% of net profit — you pay both sides of FICA. On $60,000 net income, SE tax alone is $8,478. The 50% SE deduction and QBI deduction reduce your federal income tax on top of that.
Last updated: May 2026 · By the GigWiseTax Team
✅ KEY TAKEAWAYS
- SE tax rate is 15.3% — 12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare on net profit
- SE tax applies to 92.35% of net income — the IRS removes the employer-equivalent portion first
- 50% of SE tax is deductible above-the-line — reduces your federal taxable income automatically
- 2026 Social Security wage base is $184,500 — the 12.4% cap stops there; Medicare has no cap
- Anyone with $400+ net self-employment income must pay SE tax and file Schedule SE
SE Tax Rate
15.3%
Both sides of FICA
SS Wage Base 2026
$184,500
12.4% applies up to this
SE Deduction
50%
Of SE tax, above-the-line
Example: $60,000 net income (single filer)
Net self-employment income$60,000
× 92.35% (SE base)$55,410
× 15.3% (SE tax rate)−$8,478
50% SE deduction (reduces federal taxable income)−$4,239
QBI deduction (20% of net)−$12,000
Federal income tax (after deductions)−$4,680
Total tax burden~22%
Self-Employment Tax FAQs
What is self-employment tax in 2026?
Self-employment tax is 15.3% of net self-employment income: 12.4% Social Security (up to $184,500) + 2.9% Medicare on all income. You pay both the employee and employer portions.
Who has to pay self-employment tax?
Anyone with $400 or more in net self-employment income — freelancers, gig workers (DoorDash, Uber, Instacart, etc.), independent contractors, and sole proprietors.
Can I deduct self-employment tax?
Yes — you deduct 50% of SE tax from gross income before calculating federal income tax. This is automatic and does not require itemizing.
How do I calculate self-employment tax?
Net income × 0.9235 × 0.153 = SE tax. Example: $60,000 × 0.9235 × 0.153 = $8,478 SE tax.
What is the 2026 Social Security wage base?
$184,500. The 12.4% SS portion applies only up to this limit. The 2.9% Medicare portion applies to all income with no cap.
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