Self-Employment Tax Calculator 2026
Quickly calculate your self-employment tax on net business income. See Social Security and Medicare portions separately.
A self-employment tax calculator helps you understand the single largest tax burden for independent contractors. The self-employment tax rate is 15.3% — broken down into 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare — applied to 92.35% of your net business income. For 2026, the Social Security wage base is capped at $176,100.
The 2.9% Medicare portion has no cap and continues to apply regardless of how much you earn. High earners also face an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax on income above $200,000 for single filers or $250,000 for married couples filing jointly.
How to Use This Calculator
- Step 1 — Enter your net business income after deducting all business expenses.
- Step 2 — The calculator instantly shows your total self-employment tax amount.
- Step 3 — Review the breakdown showing exactly how much goes to Social Security versus Medicare.
- Step 4 — Note the deductible portion (half of SE tax) that you can claim as an above-the-line adjustment on your tax return.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the self-employment tax rate?
The SE tax rate is 15.3% — 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare — applied to 92.35% of net business income.
Is there a cap on Social Security tax?
Yes. For 2026, only the first $176,100 of earnings is subject to the 12.4% Social Security portion.
Can I deduct self-employment tax?
You can deduct half of your SE tax as an above-the-line adjustment on Form 1040.
What is the additional Medicare tax?
Income above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (MFJ) triggers an extra 0.9% Medicare surtax.
Does SE tax count toward Social Security benefits?
Yes, SE tax contributes to your Social Security earnings record, building future retirement and disability benefits.
Data source: IRS 2026 tax brackets, Social Security Administration wage base, and state revenue department publications. Last reviewed: 2026-07-05.