Freelancers, gig workers and side-business owners don’t have an employer withholding taxes, so you pay as you go.
Self-Employment & Quarterly Tax Calculator
Loading calculator…
This calculator estimates your 2026 self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare), the federal income tax on your profit after the half-SE-tax and QBI deductions, and how much to send the IRS each quarter.
How self-employment tax works
- 15.3% on 92.35% of profit: 12.4% for Social Security (up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500, shared with any W-2 wages) and 2.9% for Medicare.
- Extra 0.9% Medicare on combined earnings above $200,000 single or $250,000 joint.
- You deduct half of your SE tax when figuring income tax, and many owners also get the 20% qualified business income (QBI) deduction.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to make quarterly payments?
Generally yes, if you expect to owe $1,000 or more when you file. Payments for 2026 are due April 15, June 15 and September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027. You can pay online at IRS.gov/payments.
How do I avoid an underpayment penalty?
Paying at least 90% of this year’s tax, or 100% of last year’s total tax (110% if last year’s AGI was over $150,000), in four equal installments generally keeps you safe. Open the safe-harbor section in the calculator to see that amount.
I also have a day job. Does that change anything?
Yes. Your W-2 wages push your side income into a higher bracket and use up part of the Social Security wage base. You can also raise your job withholding on a new W-4 instead of making separate quarterly payments.
Related: Side Hustle Ideas and Taxes, Income Tax & Refund Estimator, Hourly to Salary Calculator.
Sources: IRS Form 1040-ES instructions, IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 and the Social Security Administration’s 2026 wage base. Estimates only; not tax advice.
Related calculators
Follow us