Estimate Your Taxes
Based on 2025 federal rates. Results update instantly.
Total revenue before any deductions.
Your federal tax filing status.
Software, equipment, home office, insurance, etc.
Total estimated tax payments made this year so far.
Your Tax Estimate
Total Tax Liability
$0
SE tax + federal income tax
Effective Tax Rate
0%
Total tax ÷ gross income
Take-Home Pay
$0
After taxes and expenses
Self-Employment Tax
$0
15.3% (SS + Medicare)
Federal Income Tax
$0
Based on your bracket
Quarterly Payment
$0
Pay this each quarter
How we calculated this
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How this estimator works
The estimator follows the same sequence as Schedule SE and Form 1040. First it takes gross freelance income minus business deductions to get net self-employment income. Then it computes self-employment tax: 92.35% of that net figure is subject to 12.4% Social Security (up to the annual wage base) plus 2.9% Medicare, with the additional 0.9% Medicare tax above $200,000. That is the 15.3% most guides quote.
Next comes federal income tax. Half of the self-employment tax is deductible, so the estimator subtracts it, subtracts the standard deduction for your filing status (2025: $15,000 single, $30,000 married filing jointly, $22,500 head of household), and runs what is left through the 2025 brackets from 10% to 37%. Total tax is the two added together; the quarterly payment is a quarter of it.
Worked example with the defaults: $100,000 gross minus $15,000 deductions leaves $85,000. Self-employment tax on 92.35% of that is about $12,010. Taxable income is $85,000 minus $6,005 (half the SE tax) minus $15,000, or $63,995, which produces about $8,993 of income tax. Total federal tax is roughly $21,000, an effective rate of 21% of gross, and quarterly payments of about $5,250.
What it leaves out: state and city income tax, the qualified business income deduction, itemised deductions, retirement contributions, health insurance premiums and credits, any of which can move the answer by thousands. It is an estimate for planning quarterly payments, not a return. For deductions worth claiming, see the freelance tax deductions guide.
2025 Federal Tax Brackets (Single Filer)
These are marginal rates — you only pay each rate on income within that bracket.
| Tax Rate | Single | Married Filing Jointly | Head of Household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $11,925 | $0 – $23,850 | $0 – $17,000 |
| 12% | $11,926 – $48,475 | $23,851 – $96,950 | $17,001 – $64,850 |
| 22% | $48,476 – $103,350 | $96,951 – $206,700 | $64,851 – $103,350 |
| 24% | $103,351 – $197,300 | $206,701 – $394,600 | $103,351 – $197,300 |
| 32% | $197,301 – $250,525 | $394,601 – $501,050 | $197,301 – $250,500 |
| 35% | $250,526 – $626,350 | $501,051 – $751,600 | $250,501 – $626,350 |
| 37% | $626,351+ | $751,601+ | $626,351+ |
Self-Employment Tax Breakdown
| Component | Rate | Income Limit (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | 12.4% | First $168,600 |
| Medicare | 2.9% | No limit |
| Additional Medicare | 0.9% | Over $200,000 (single) |
| Total SE Tax | 15.3% | On 92.35% of net earnings |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much tax do freelancers pay?
Freelancers typically pay 25-35% of their net income in taxes. This includes 15.3% self-employment tax (Social Security + Medicare) plus federal income tax based on your bracket. State taxes add more depending on where you live.
What is self-employment tax?
Self-employment tax is 15.3% of your net earnings — 12.4% for Social Security (on the first $168,600 in 2025) and 2.9% for Medicare. As a freelancer, you pay both the employer and employee portions. You can deduct half of this on your income tax return.
Do I need to make quarterly tax payments?
Yes, if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes for the year. Quarterly estimated payments are due April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15. Missing these deadlines can result in penalties.
What can I deduct as a freelancer?
Common deductions include: home office expenses, internet and phone, software subscriptions, equipment, health insurance premiums, professional development, marketing costs, and the employer-equivalent portion of self-employment tax (7.65%).
How do I file taxes as a freelancer?
Report your freelance income on Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business) with your Form 1040. You'll also file Schedule SE for self-employment tax. If a client's payments to you crossed the IRS reporting threshold for the year, they should send you a 1099-NEC — that threshold was $600 for many years and rose to $2,000 for payments made from 2026 onward. You owe tax on the income either way.
Is this calculator a substitute for a tax professional?
No. This calculator provides rough estimates based on 2025 federal rates. It doesn't account for state taxes, all deductions, credits, or your specific tax situation. Consult a CPA or tax professional for personalized advice.
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