Calculate SE tax, federal income tax, state tax, and quarterly estimated payments for 2025.
Freelancers pay 15.3% SE tax plus federal and state income tax. Enter your income and state to see your total tax bill, quarterly estimates, and QBI deduction.
FreeToolHub Freelancer Tax Calculator is a free browser-based tool that estimates total tax for self-employed individuals, no signup, no upload.
Tax brackets, standard deductions, and SS wage base are based on IRS inflation-adjusted figures for the 2025 tax year (Rev. Proc. 2024-40). 2026 tax year figures will be updated when IRS releases them. State income tax rates are simplified (flat/representative rates). This calculator is for estimation only — consult a tax professional for filing.
About this tool
Your complete freelance tax picture: SE tax, deductions, quarterly estimates. All 50 states, free.
What Is the Freelancer Tax Calculator?
The Freelancer Tax Calculator is a free, browser-based tool that estimates your total tax burden as a self-employed individual in the United States. It calculates federal income tax, self-employment tax (15.3%), the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction of up to 20%, and state income tax for all 50 states — all using 2026 tax brackets. No signup, no data upload: every calculation happens in your browser.
Who Should Use This Tool?
This calculator is built for freelancers, independent contractors, gig workers (Uber, DoorDash, Upwork), sole proprietors, and anyone who receives 1099-NEC or 1099-K income. If you earn more than $400 in net self-employment income, you must file Schedule SE and pay self-employment tax.
How Does This Tool Work?
The calculator applies the 2026 tax logic in this order: (1) Your net business income (revenue minus deductible expenses) is subject to self-employment tax at 15.3% — 12.4% for Social Security (capped at $176,100) and 2.9% for Medicare (no cap). (2) You deduct half of SE tax from your adjusted gross income. (3) The QBI deduction reduces taxable income by up to 20% of qualified business income. (4) Federal income tax is calculated using 2026 brackets (10% to 37%). (5) State income tax is added based on your state of residence.
How Is the Tax Calculated?
A freelancer in California earning $80,000 net profit: • Self-employment tax: $80,000 × 92.35% × 15.3% = $11,297 • Deduction for half SE tax: $5,648 • QBI deduction (20% of QBI): ~$12,870 • Federal income tax (after deductions): ~$6,200 • California state tax: ~$3,800 • Total tax: ~$21,297 (effective rate ~26.6%) • Quarterly payment: ~$5,324 per quarter
Frequently asked
How much tax does a freelancer pay in the US?
A freelancer earning $80,000 net profit typically pays about 25-30% in total taxes: 15.3% self-employment tax plus federal income tax (10-37% based on brackets) plus state income tax (0-13.3% depending on state). The QBI deduction can reduce taxable income by up to 20%.
Do I need to pay quarterly taxes as a freelancer?
Yes. If you expect to owe more than $1,000 in tax for the year, the IRS requires quarterly estimated payments using Form 1040-ES. Deadlines: April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15. Missing payments triggers underpayment penalties (approximately 8% annualized in 2026).
What is the self-employment tax rate in 2026?
The self-employment tax rate is 15.3%: 12.4% for Social Security (on net earnings up to $176,100 in 2026) and 2.9% for Medicare (on all net earnings, plus an additional 0.9% for high earners above $200,000 single / $250,000 married filing jointly).
What is the QBI deduction and how much can I save?
The Qualified Business Income deduction (Section 199A) allows freelancers and sole proprietors to deduct up to 20% of qualified business income from taxable income. For $80,000 net profit, the QBI deduction is up to $16,000, reducing taxable income to $64,000. This is an above-the-line deduction — no itemizing required.
Can I deduct business expenses as a freelancer?
Yes. Common deductions include home office ($5/sq ft up to 300 sq ft or actual expenses), software subscriptions, equipment, mileage (67¢/mile in 2026), health insurance premiums (100% deductible above-the-line), and retirement contributions (SEP-IRA up to $69,000 or Solo 401(k) up to $69,000 in 2026).
What happens if I do not pay quarterly taxes?
The IRS charges an underpayment penalty (approximately 8% annualized in 2026) on the amount you should have paid each quarter. You may also face interest charges. To avoid penalties, pay at least 90% of current year tax or 100% of prior year tax (110% if AGI > $150,000) through quarterly payments.
Does this calculator work for all 50 states?
Yes. The calculator includes 2026 state income tax rates for all 50 states, including states with no income tax (Texas, Florida, Nevada, Washington, etc.) and high-tax states (California, New York, New Jersey). It also handles state-specific deductions and standard deductions.
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