How to use the Self-Employment Tax calculator
- Enter your numbers. Fill in net self-employment profit, W-2 wages, filing status.
- Read your results. Results update instantly. The headline shows the self-employment tax (2026); the breakdown below show the details.
How self-employment tax works
Employees split Social Security and Medicare taxes with their employer. Self-employed people pay both halves, as self-employment (SE) tax, on Schedule SE.
SE tax = 12.4% × net earnings (up to the wage base) + 2.9% × net earnings (+ 0.9% Additional Medicare above the threshold)
2026 figures
- Social Security wage base: $184,500 (reduced by any W-2 wages you also earn).
- Medicare 2.9% applies to all net earnings; the 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax applies above $200,000 single / $250,000 joint (combined with wages).
- No SE tax if net earnings are under $400.
The deduction
You can deduct half of your SE tax (excluding Additional Medicare) from income on Form 1040, which lowers income tax but not SE tax itself.
Worked example
With these inputs: net self-employment profit $80,000; filing status Single.
The calculator gives a self-employment tax (2026) of $11,304 (14.1% of net profit). Other results: earnings subject to SE tax (92.35%) $73,880, deductible half of SE tax $5,652, quarterly set-aside (SE tax only) $2,825.91, Social Security wage base $184,500.
What your results mean
SE tax is your Social Security and Medicare contribution as a self-employed person. Set aside income tax on top of it; the quarterly figure covers SE tax only.
Tips
- Track expenses carefully; every deductible dollar lowers SE tax.
- Pay quarterly estimates to avoid underpayment penalties.
- If you also have a W-2 job, enter those wages to apply the wage base correctly.
Frequently asked questions
How much is self-employment tax on $50,000?
About $7,065: $50,000 × 92.35% × 15.3%.
What is the self-employment tax rate for 2026?
15.3% (12.4% Social Security up to $184,500 and 2.9% Medicare), plus 0.9% on high earners.
Do I have to pay quarterly estimated taxes?
Generally yes, if you expect to owe $1,000 or more for the year. Due dates are April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15.
Is self-employment tax the same as income tax?
No. SE tax funds Social Security and Medicare; income tax is separate and also applies.
How can I lower SE tax?
Deduct all legitimate business expenses. Some owners use an S corporation with a reasonable salary, which has its own costs and rules.
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