Self-Employment Tax Calculator
Enter your net self-employment income to estimate the 15.3% self-employment tax.
How to use this calculator
- 1Enter your net self-employment income (revenue minus business expenses).
- 2The tool applies the 92.35% factor and the 15.3% SE tax rate.
- 3See your estimated SE tax and the deductible half.
How the Self-Employment Tax Calculator works
In the US, the self-employed pay self-employment (SE) tax to cover Social Security and Medicare — the 15.3% that employers and employees normally split. It is charged on 92.35% of your net earnings, and you can deduct half of it when working out income tax. This calculator gives a quick estimate of that liability.
Two things to remember: SE tax is separate from federal and state income tax, which you also owe, and only the 2.9% Medicare portion applies above the Social Security wage base. Setting aside for tax as you invoice — rather than at year end — is the difference between a calm April and a scramble.
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Create an invoice freeFrequently asked questions
What is self-employment tax?
It is the Social Security and Medicare tax (15.3%) that the self-employed pay on their net earnings — the equivalent of the employee + employer payroll taxes combined.
How is it calculated?
Multiply net earnings by 92.35%, then by 15.3%. You can deduct half of the SE tax when calculating income tax.
Is this my full tax bill?
No — this is only self-employment tax. You also owe federal and state income tax. High earners pay only 2.9% (Medicare) above the Social Security wage base, so treat this as an estimate.
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