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Self-Employment Tax Calculator

Calculate your self-employment tax, quarterly estimated payments, and total tax burden as a freelancer or small business owner.

Income & Deductions

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Your total income minus business expenses

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Understanding Self-Employment Tax

What is SE Tax?

Self-employment tax is how freelancers, independent contractors, and small business owners pay Social Security and Medicare taxes. The current rate is 15.3%:

  • 12.4% for Social Security (up to the wage base limit)
  • 2.9% for Medicare (no limit)
  • 0.9% additional Medicare tax for high earners

Key Deductions

You can deduct 50% of your SE tax from your adjusted gross income, which reduces your overall income tax burden.

Quarterly Payments

Unlike W-2 employees, self-employed individuals must make quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid penalties. Due dates are typically:

  • Q1: April 15
  • Q2: June 15
  • Q3: September 15
  • Q4: January 15 (following year)