Self-Employment / 1099 Tax Calculator (2026)
Estimate taxes as a freelancer or independent contractor: self-employment tax, federal tax, state tax, quarterly payments, and take-home income after taxes.
Example: $75,000 Freelance Income in California (after $12K expenses)
Net Earnings
$63,000
SE Tax
$8,901.62
Total Tax
$15,551.15
Take-Home
$47,448.85
For a freelancer in California with $75,000 gross and $12,000 expenses, estimated total tax is $15,551.15 (effective rate 24.68%). Take-home: $47,448.85.
Source: FinCalc server-rendered example using the same formulas as the interactive calculator.
1099 tax inputs
Tax output summary
Net earnings
$65,000
Self-employment tax
$9,184.21
Federal income tax
$5,068.95
State income tax
$1,930.95
Total tax owed
$16,184.11
Take-home after tax
$48,815.89
Effective tax rate: 24.90% of net earnings.
Self-employment tax breakdown
SE tax base (92.35%)
$60,027.50
Social Security (12.4%)
$7,443.41
Medicare (2.9%)
$1,740.80
Additional Medicare (0.9%)
$0
SE tax deduction (50%)
$4,592.10
Adjusted income
$60,407.90
Taxable federal income
$44,307.90
Quarterly estimated payments
| Due date | Estimated payment |
|---|---|
| April 15 | $4,046.03 |
| June 15 | $4,046.03 |
| September 15 | $4,046.03 |
| January 15 | $4,046.03 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is self-employment tax?
Self-employment tax covers Social Security and Medicare for freelancers. It replaces FICA withholdings that employers normally deduct. The rate is ~15.3% on 92.35% of net earnings, with an Additional Medicare Tax above income thresholds.
When are estimated quarterly taxes due?
Estimated taxes are due April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15. Divide your estimated annual tax by 4 for a simple quarterly payment. Underpayment penalties may apply if you pay too little during the year.
Can I deduct business expenses from 1099 income?
Yes. Ordinary and necessary business expenses reduce your net earnings and thus your taxable income and self-employment tax. Keep records of expenses like supplies, software, travel, and home office costs.
How much tax do I owe on $100K freelance income?
Depends on state, filing status, and deductions. Roughly: SE tax ~$14K, federal income tax $10–20K, plus state tax where applicable. A California single filer with $100K gross and $15K expenses may owe ~$25–30K total.
Methodology
- Net earnings = gross income - deductible business expenses.
- SE tax base = net earnings * 92.35%.
- SE tax = Social Security + Medicare (+ Additional Medicare where applicable).
- 50% of SE tax is deductible for federal/state taxable-income estimates.
- Quarterly estimate = total tax / 4.
Sources
Data and assumptions align with official publications. For verification and current figures:
- IRS — Tax brackets, rates, credits, inflation adjustments
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