Self-Employment Tax Calculator

Enter your net self-employment profit. You'll get the Social Security and Medicare portions, the total SE tax, and the half you can deduct against income tax.

How the number is built

Net earnings = profit × 0.9235.
Social Security = 12.4% of net earnings, but only up to the $184,500 wage base (minus any W-2 Social Security wages).
Medicare = 2.9% of net earnings, no cap.
Additional Medicare Tax = 0.9% of net earnings above $200,000 (single) / $250,000 (married filing jointly).
You deduct half of the 15.3% portion against income tax as an adjustment to AGI.

Worked example

$60,000 net profit, single, no W-2 job. Net earnings = 60,000 × 0.9235 = $55,410. Social Security = 12.4% × 55,410 = $6,871. Medicare = 2.9% × 55,410 = $1,607. Total SE tax ≈$8,478, of which about $4,239 is deductible against your income tax.

Set money aside

SE tax is on top of federal (and usually state) income tax. With no withholding, a common rule of thumb is to reserve 25–30% of net profit for the combined bill and pay it in quarterly estimated instalments. Model the income-tax side with the take-home pay calculator and read FICA taxes explained for how the employee version compares.

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Frequently asked questions

What is self-employment tax?

It is Social Security and Medicare tax for people who work for themselves. An employee pays 6.2% + 1.45% and the employer matches it; a self-employed person pays both halves — 12.4% for Social Security (up to the wage base) plus 2.9% for Medicare (no cap), a combined 15.3% — plus the 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax on high earnings. It is separate from federal income tax and is reported on Schedule SE.

Why is it calculated on 92.35% of my profit?

The law lets you first reduce net profit by 7.65% (an approximation of the employer-side payroll tax an employee would not pay income-and-payroll tax on twice). 100% − 7.65% = 92.35%. That reduced figure is your 'net earnings from self-employment' and the 15.3% applies to it.

Do I owe it if I only made a little?

No SE tax is due if your net earnings from self-employment (profit × 0.9235) are under $400 for the year. Above $400 the full calculation applies from the first dollar.

Is any of it deductible?

Yes. You deduct one-half of the 15.3% portion as an adjustment to income on your 1040 — it reduces your adjusted gross income and therefore your income tax, though not the SE tax itself. This calculator shows that deductible amount.

What if I also have a W-2 job?

Social Security tax only applies up to one combined wage base ($184,500 in 2026) across all your earnings. Enter the Social Security wages from your W-2 (box 3) and the tool reduces the room left for the 12.4% SE portion. Medicare has no cap, so the 2.9% still applies to all your net earnings.

How does this differ from income tax?

SE tax funds Social Security and Medicare and is a flat 15.3% (plus surtax). Income tax is progressive and applies to your taxable income after deductions. You owe both. Set aside roughly 25–30% of net profit for the combination if you have no other withholding, and pay quarterly estimated taxes.

Do I need to make quarterly payments?

Generally yes, if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in total tax for the year and do not have enough withheld elsewhere. Estimated payments are due in April, June, September and January. Missing them can trigger an underpayment penalty even if you pay in full by the filing deadline.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Figures and formulas are checked against their published sources; see the site's data notes.