US Self-Employment Tax Calculator 2026

Plot's free US self-employment tax calculator works out your 2026 federal income tax, self-employment tax and quarterly estimated payments in plain English. Enter your 1099 or freelance income, any W-2 wages and your state, and see what you owe, what to set aside each quarter, and what you keep — no sign-up, no upsell.

How it works

1. Enter your self-employment or 1099 income, plus any W-2 wages.
2. Add your state income tax rate, if your state has one.
3. See your federal income tax, self-employment tax and what to pay each quarter — plus the deductions you might be missing.

Key 2026 figures

• 2026 federal brackets run from 10% to 37%; the standard deduction is $16,100 (single) or $32,200 (married filing jointly).
• Self-employment tax is 15.3% — 12.4% Social Security on net earnings up to $184,500, plus 2.9% Medicare with no cap.
• Half of your self-employment tax is deductible when figuring your income tax.
• Estimated taxes are due four times a year: April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15.
• The 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction can cut the income tax on your business profit — Plot flags it.

Frequently asked questions

How much should I set aside for taxes if I'm self-employed?

A common rule of thumb is 25–30% of your net self-employment income, but it depends on your total income and your state. Plot calculates your exact set-aside percentage from your figures, covering both federal income tax and the 15.3% self-employment tax.

How do quarterly estimated taxes work?

If you expect to owe $1,000 or more, the IRS wants tax paid through the year in four installments (Form 1040-ES), due April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15. Plot estimates each payment from your income so April isn't a shock.

What is self-employment tax?

It's Social Security and Medicare for the self-employed — 15.3% of net earnings (12.4% Social Security up to $184,500 for 2026, plus 2.9% Medicare). You pay both halves, but you can deduct half of it against your income tax.

What's the difference between a 1099 and a W-2?

A W-2 reports wages from an employer who withholds your taxes. A 1099 (such as a 1099-NEC) reports income paid to you as an independent contractor with nothing withheld — so you owe self-employment tax and usually make quarterly estimated payments yourself.

Does Plot file my federal return?

Not yet — today Plot estimates your federal and self-employment tax and what to pay each quarter. Embedded e-filing through an authorized provider is on the roadmap. Plot never asks for an IRS login and takes 0% of anything you save.

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