2025 Self-Employment Tax Calculator
Calculate your total freelance tax burden including self-employment tax (15.3%), federal income tax, and quarterly estimated payments.
Freelance / Self-Employment Details
$
$
Net Profit
$85,000
Total Tax
$21,003
24.7% effective
Take-Home
$63,997
$5,333/mo
SE Tax
$12,010
15.3% on net earnings
Quarterly Estimate
$5,251
Due 4x/year
Tax Breakdown
Gross Revenue$100,000
Business Expenses-$15,000
Net Profit$85,000
Self-Employment Tax
Net Earnings (92.35% of net profit)$78,498
Social Security (12.4%)$9,734
Medicare (2.9%)$2,276
Total SE Tax$12,010
Federal Income Tax
Deductible half of SE tax-$6,005
Adjusted Gross Income$78,995
Federal Income Tax$8,993
Total Tax$21,003
How Self-Employment Tax Works
When you work as a freelancer or independent contractor, you are responsible for paying both the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes. This is called self-employment tax.
The 92.35% Rule
You only pay SE tax on 92.35% of your net self-employment earnings. This adjustment accounts for the employer-equivalent portion of the tax, which employees do not pay income tax on.
Quarterly Estimated Payments
Freelancers must make quarterly estimated tax payments (due April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15). Failing to pay estimated taxes can result in underpayment penalties.