Self-Employment Tax Calculator (2025)
Estimate your SE tax, federal income tax and quarterly payments on 1099 and freelance income.
1099 / self-employed · 2025
Total estimated tax
$13,131
Quarterly estimated payment
Apr 15
$3,283
Jun 16
$3,283
Sep 15
$3,283
Jan 15
$3,283
Tax breakdown
You keep about $46,869 after federal tax. Half your SE tax ($4,239) is deductible — already applied.
2025 federal estimate (SE tax + income tax). State tax not included. For guidance only — not tax advice.
How this self-employment tax calculator works
If you earn 1099 or freelance income, you pay self-employment tax on top of regular income tax. This 1099 tax calculator takes 92.35% of your net profit, applies the 15.3% self-employment tax (12.4% Social Security up to the wage base plus 2.9% Medicare), deducts half of that from your income, and adds your federal income tax — giving you a total tax figure and a per-quarter estimated payment for 2025.
Don't get caught out by quarterly estimated taxes
Self-employed taxpayers usually pay estimated taxes four times a year instead of having tax withheld from a paycheck. A common rule of thumb is to set aside 25–30% of net profit, but the exact amount depends on your income and any other household income — which is why the calculator gives you a real quarterly number to save.
Pay by the federal due dates to avoid underpayment penalties. When your client roster gets busy, UpTax prepares Schedule C, self-employment tax and estimated payments automatically, with a US CPA or EA reviewing every return before it's filed.
Stop calculating. Start automating.
Self-employed clients pile up fast. UpTax preps their Schedule C, SE tax and estimates automatically.
- AI drafts the return in minutes
- A US CPA/EA reviews every number
- Your first 5 returns are on us
Frequently asked questions
What is self-employment tax?
It's the self-employed version of Social Security and Medicare: 15.3% total (12.4% Social Security up to the wage base + 2.9% Medicare) on 92.35% of your net profit. You also pay regular federal income tax on top.
How much should I set aside for taxes as a 1099 contractor?
A common rule of thumb is 25–30% of net profit, but it depends on your income and other household income. This calculator gives you the actual estimated total and a per-quarter amount.
When are quarterly estimated taxes due?
For the 2025 tax year the federal due dates are roughly April 15, June 16, September 15 (2025) and January 15 (2026). Paying quarterly avoids underpayment penalties.
Is half my self-employment tax deductible?
Yes — you can deduct one-half of your SE tax from your income, which lowers your income tax. This calculator applies that deduction automatically.
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