Self-Employment Tax Calculator 2026
Calculate exactly how much self-employment tax you owe and how much you can deduct.
Your Information
Gross income minus business expenses
Tax Information Notice
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified CPA or Enrolled Agent for your specific situation.
How Self-Employment Tax Works in 2026
Self-employment tax is the freelancer's version of FICA (Social Security and Medicare). W-2 employees split this with their employer — each paying 7.65%. As a self-employed worker, you pay both sides: the full 15.3%.
In 2026, the Social Security wage base is $176,100. You pay 12.4% Social Security tax on earnings up to that amount. The 2.9% Medicare tax has no cap, and a 0.9% surcharge applies above $200,000 (single filers).
The good news: you can deduct half your SE tax from your gross income, effectively reducing your income tax bill. The calculator above shows your exact SE tax liability including this deduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the self-employment tax rate in 2026?
The self-employment tax rate is 15.3% on the first $176,100 of net SE income (2026 Social Security wage base). It consists of 12.4% Social Security and 2.9% Medicare. An additional 0.9% Medicare surtax applies to SE income above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).
How do I calculate self-employment tax?
Step 1: Multiply your net business income by 0.9235 (this accounts for the SE deduction). Step 2: Multiply the result by 15.3% (up to the SS wage base) to get your gross SE tax. Step 3: Subtract the SE deduction (half of your SE tax) from your gross income before calculating income tax.
Why is SE tax 15.3% and not 7.65%?
Employees pay 7.65% in FICA taxes and their employer pays the other 7.65%. As a self-employed person, you are both employee and employer, so you pay the full 15.3%. However, you can deduct half of your SE tax as an above-the-line deduction on your income tax return.
Do I owe self-employment tax if I have a loss?
No. If your Schedule C shows a net loss, you owe no self-employment tax. SE tax is only owed on net self-employment income (profit, not gross revenue). If your business has expenses that reduce your net income to zero or below, your SE tax is $0.