Estimate 2026 self-employment tax, federal income tax, and the quarterly estimated payments to set aside from freelance or business profit.
Estimated quarterly payment$0
Total estimated 2026 federal tax.
Self-employment tax (15.3%)
$0
Additional Medicare tax (0.9%) on self-employment income
$0
0.9% Additional Medicare on W-2 wages over the threshold
Not included
Federal income tax
$0
Less withholding
$0
Estimated tax to pay
$0
2026 due dates
Self-employment tax guide
How self-employment and estimated taxes work
Self-employed people pay both halves of Social Security and Medicare through self-employment tax, and usually pay income tax during the year through quarterly estimated payments instead of paycheck withholding. This calculator estimates both for tax year 2026.
Educational estimate for tax year 2026, not tax advice. Figures from IRS Topic 554, the SSA 2026 fact sheet, and the 2026 Form 1040-ES.
How it is calculated
Self-employment tax applies to 92.35% of net profit when net earnings are $400 or more.
The rate is 12.4% for Social Security, up to the $184,500 wage base for 2026 (reduced by W-2 wages), plus 2.9% for Medicare on all of it.
Additional Medicare tax of 0.9% applies above $200,000 ($250,000 married filing jointly), counting W-2 wages first. The 0.9% owed on the W-2 wages themselves (Form 8959 Part I) is not included. Head of household and married filing separately are not modeled yet.
Half of self-employment tax is deducted before income tax, then the 2026 standard deduction and brackets apply.
The remaining tax after withholding is split into four equal payments.
What it does not include
The qualified business income (QBI) deduction, itemized deductions, credits, other income, state income tax, and safe-harbor rules based on last year's tax are not modeled. Because QBI is excluded, the income tax estimate can be higher than what you owe. Check the IRS Form 1040-ES worksheet or a tax professional before paying.
15.3%: 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare, applied to 92.35% of net earnings from self-employment, according to IRS Topic 554. The Social Security part stops at the annual wage base, which is $184,500 for 2026.
When are 2026 estimated tax payments due?
April 15, 2026; June 15, 2026; September 15, 2026; and January 15, 2027, per the 2026 Form 1040-ES.
Do I owe self-employment tax on a small side gig?
You usually must pay self-employment tax if net earnings from self-employment are $400 or more. Income tax may still apply below that.
Can I deduct part of self-employment tax?
Yes. You can deduct one-half of self-employment tax when figuring adjusted gross income. The calculator includes this deduction.
