2026 Self-Employment & Quarterly Tax Calculator
Freelancer, 1099 contractor, or gig worker? See exactly what you'll owe the IRS this year — self-employment tax, federal income tax, and what to send in each quarter — using the published 2026 IRS & SSA figures. No login, no upsell.
Estimates the 2026 federal tax only (no state tax). Built on IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 and the SSA 2026 wage base. See the math & sources →
Why solo earners get surprised at tax time
When you're on a payroll, taxes vanish from your paycheck before you ever see the money and your employer quietly pays half of your Social Security and Medicare. Go independent and both of those disappear: nothing is withheld, and you owe the full 15.3% self-employment tax on top of regular income tax. That's why a $80,000 profit can carry roughly $18,830 in federal tax — about 23.5% of profit — and why the IRS wants it in four installments, not one April surprise. This tool does that arithmetic for you and turns it into a per-quarter number.
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Common questions
How much should I set aside for taxes as a 1099 contractor in 2026?
A common rule of thumb is 25–30% of your net self-employment profit, but the right number depends on your income and filing status. This calculator gives you an exact 2026 federal figure — for a single filer netting $80,000 it works out to about 24% of profit once self-employment tax and income tax are combined.
What is self-employment tax and why do I owe it?
Self-employment tax is the 15.3% that covers Social Security (12.4%) and Medicare (2.9%). As a W-2 employee your employer pays half; when you're self-employed you pay both halves — but you get to deduct one-half of it from your income. It applies to 92.35% of your net profit.
When are quarterly estimated taxes due?
For the 2026 tax year the federal estimated-tax deadlines are April 15 2026, June 15 2026, September 15 2026, and January 15 2027. Miss them and the IRS can charge an underpayment penalty even if you pay in full at filing.
Does this include state taxes?
No. This tool covers federal self-employment and income tax only. State and local income taxes vary widely and are not included — add your state's rate separately.
Is this tax advice?
No. It's an educational estimate built on published IRS and SSA figures. Confirm with a tax professional before you file or pay.