Self-employment tax calculator
Enter your net profit for the year to see your self-employment tax: the Social Security and Medicare you pay as your own employer, and the half you can deduct.
Your 2026 self-employment tax
An estimate for US federal tax only, using the 2026 figures: 15.3% on 92.35% of net profit, with Social Security on the first $184,500. It isn't tax advice; check with a tax professional before you file.
How self-employment tax works
What is self-employment tax?
It's Social Security and Medicare tax for people who work for themselves. An employee and their employer each pay 7.65%; when you're self-employed you pay both halves, 15.3%, on 92.35% of your net profit.
Who has to pay it?
Anyone with $400 or more of net earnings from self-employment in the year, including freelancers, sole proprietors and partners.
Is there a limit?
The 12.4% Social Security part stops at $184,500 of combined wages and self-employment earnings in 2026. The 2.9% Medicare part has no limit, and an extra 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax applies over $200,000 ($250,000 married filing jointly).
What's the deductible half?
You can deduct half of your self-employment tax when you work out your income tax, so it lowers your taxable income.
When do I pay it?
With your income tax, usually through quarterly estimated payments. The quarterly tax calculator works out how much.
Know your profit, all year
Cloud Books keeps your invoices, bills and bank in one place, free, and its profit and loss report shows the profit to use here, always up to date.