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US Self-Employment Tax Calculator

Calculate your US self-employment tax (Social Security + Medicare) based on your net earnings, including the 92.35% taxable base and deductible half.

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How to Use the US Self-Employment Tax Calculator

  1. 1

    Enter your net earnings

    Input your total self-employment net earnings for the tax year. This is your gross income minus any business expenses.

  2. 2

    View the SE tax breakdown

    Review the calculated self-employment tax, which includes both the Social Security and Medicare portions.

  3. 3

    See the deductible half

    Check the deductible portion of your SE tax. The IRS allows you to deduct half of your self-employment tax from your adjusted gross income.

  4. 4

    Review your quarterly estimate

    Use the quarterly breakdown to plan your estimated tax payments throughout the year and avoid underpayment penalties.

Sources & Verification

Tax rates verified against official government sources for current published tax years

IRS Self-Employment TaxIRS Publication 15

Published by ConvertCrunch Editorial Team | Our Methodology

Frequently Asked Questions

How is US self-employment tax calculated?
US self-employment tax is 15.3% of 92.35% of your net self-employment earnings. This comprises 12.4% for Social Security (on earnings up to the annual wage base of $184,500 in 2026) and 2.9% for Medicare. Net earnings above $200,000 for single filers are also subject to an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax. You can deduct half of the self-employment tax from your adjusted gross income.
Who has to pay self-employment tax?
You must pay self-employment tax if your net self-employment income is $400 or more in a tax year. This includes freelancers, independent contractors, sole proprietors, and partners in a partnership. Income reported on Schedule C, Schedule F (farming), or Schedule K-1 (partnership) is subject to self-employment tax. Even if you also work a W-2 job, your side income may still be subject to SE tax.
Why is 92.35% used to calculate self-employment tax?
The 92.35% factor (100% minus 7.65%) exists to give self-employed individuals a deduction equivalent to the employer's share of FICA taxes. Traditional employees only pay 7.65% because the employer pays the other half. Since self-employed individuals pay both halves, the IRS reduces the taxable base by 7.65% to approximate the benefit employees receive from their employer's contribution.
Can I reduce my self-employment tax bill?
Yes, there are several strategies. First, deduct all legitimate business expenses to reduce net earnings. Second, you can deduct half of your self-employment tax on your 1040 return. Third, consider electing S-corporation status, which lets you pay yourself a reasonable salary (subject to FICA) while taking remaining profits as distributions not subject to SE tax. Fourth, maximize retirement contributions through a SEP-IRA or Solo 401(k) to lower taxable income.
What is the self-employment tax rate for 2026?
The self-employment tax rate for 2026 is 15.3%, split into 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare. The Social Security portion applies to the first $184,500 of net self-employment earnings (after the 92.35% adjustment). There is no cap on the Medicare portion, and an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax applies to earnings above $200,000 for single filers or $250,000 for married filing jointly.

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