Freelance Tax Calculator
Estimate your total tax burden as a freelancer, gig worker, or 1099 contractor. See exactly how much to set aside.
Tax Breakdown
Self-Employment
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Federal Income
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State Tax
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Total Tax
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What you keep
Take-Home (Year)
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Take-Home (Month)
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Effective Rate
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💡 Quarterly payments: Set aside $0 every quarter for estimated tax payments (due Apr 15, Jun 15, Sep 15, Jan 15).
How freelance taxes work.
As a freelancer or 1099 contractor, you're responsible for paying both the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes (called self-employment tax), plus federal and state income tax.
- Enter your total annual freelance income (before expenses).
- Subtract legitimate business expenses (home office, equipment, software, etc.).
- Select your filing status and enter your state tax rate.
- Click "Estimate My Taxes" to see the full breakdown.
Frequently asked questions.
What is self-employment tax?
Self-employment tax is the Social Security and Medicare tax that self-employed people pay. It's 15.3% of your net earnings — 12.4% for Social Security (up to the wage base limit) and 2.9% for Medicare.
Do I need to pay quarterly taxes?
Yes. If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes, the IRS requires quarterly estimated tax payments. Missing these can result in underpayment penalties.
What expenses can I deduct?
Common deductions include home office space, internet/phone bills (business portion), software subscriptions, equipment, health insurance premiums, mileage, and professional development costs.
How much should I set aside for taxes?
A common rule of thumb is to set aside 25-30% of your freelance income for taxes. This calculator gives you a more precise estimate based on your actual income and deductions.