Freelance Tax Calculator2025–2026
Enter your income, state, and filing status — instantly see your complete tax breakdown, quarterly payment amounts, and exactly how much to set aside.
Data sources: IRS Rev. Proc. 2024-40 · IRS Topic 554 · SSA 2025 COLA
Your Details
Deductible expenses reduce your taxable income.
Based on 2025 federal tax brackets and state rates. Figures are estimates for planning purposes only. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
Enter your income to get started
Your results will show a full tax breakdown, quarterly payments, and how much to set aside.
How we calculate your freelance tax
Self-employment tax
Social Security (12.4%) applies up to the $176,100 wage base. Medicare (2.9%) has no cap. An extra 0.9% Medicare applies above $200K. Multiply net income by 92.35% first — then apply rates. 50% of SE tax is deductible from your AGI.
Federal income tax
Applied to your adjusted gross income using 2025 IRS tax brackets after the standard deduction ($15,000 single / $30,000 married) and your SE tax deduction.
State income tax
Applied based on your state's rate. Nine states charge zero income tax. California (9.3%) and Oregon (9.9%) are the highest. Enter your state to get the accurate rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is self-employment tax calculated?
Self-employment tax is calculated on 92.35% of your net income. Social Security (12.4%) applies up to the $176,100 wage base in 2025 — income above that is not subject to SS tax. Medicare (2.9%) has no cap. An additional 0.9% Medicare applies above $200K (single) or $250K (married). You pay both the employee and employer share, but can deduct 50% of SE tax from your AGI. Source: IRS Schedule SE and Topic 554.
How much should I set aside for taxes as a freelancer?
A general rule is 25–35% of your gross income, but the exact amount depends on your state, filing status, and deductions. This calculator gives you a personalised percentage based on your actual situation. We recommend adding a 2–3% buffer.
When are quarterly tax payments due in 2025–2026?
IRS quarterly estimated tax deadlines: April 15, 2025 (Q1) · June 16, 2025 (Q2) · September 15, 2025 (Q3) · January 15, 2026 (Q4). If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes, you're required to make quarterly payments.
What counts as a business deduction for freelancers?
Common deductions include: home office (must be used exclusively for work), equipment and software, professional subscriptions, health insurance premiums, retirement contributions (SEP-IRA), and business travel. These reduce your taxable income.
Does this work for all US states?
Yes. All 50 states and Washington D.C. are included. Nine states have no income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.