Money & taxes · Free tool
Self-employment tax calculator (2026)
Free 2026 self-employment tax calculator using the IRS Schedule SE method: 15.3% on 92.35% of profit, $184,500 wage base, half deductible.
How the calculation works
- Net earnings from self-employment = net profit × 92.35%. If this is under $400, no SE tax is due.
- Social Security (12.4%) applies up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500, reduced by any W-2 wages that already had Social Security withheld.
- Medicare (2.9%) applies to all net earnings.
- Additional Medicare Tax (0.9%) applies to combined wages and SE income above $200,000 (single), $250,000 (married filing jointly) or $125,000 (married filing separately). It's reported on Form 8959.
- You can deduct half of your SE tax (excluding the Additional Medicare Tax) when calculating adjusted gross income.
This estimates SE tax only, not income tax. To pay during the year, see quarterly estimated taxes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the self-employment tax rate for 2026?
15.3%: 12.4% Social Security on net earnings up to $184,500 and 2.9% Medicare on all net earnings, per the IRS and SSA.
What is the Social Security wage base for 2026?
$184,500, per the Social Security Administration.
Update history
- : first published; figures checked against the sources listed.