Self-Employment Tax Calculator (2026)
Social Security + Medicare on your net self-employment earnings
Self-Employment Tax
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This self-employment tax calculator breaks down the 15.3% SE tax for 2026 into its Social Security (12.4%) and Medicare (2.9%) parts, applies the $184,500 Social Security wage base, adds the 0.9% additional Medicare tax where it applies, and shows the deductible half you can write off against income tax.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is self-employment tax?
Self-employment tax is how self-employed people pay into Social Security and Medicare. W-2 employees split these taxes with their employer (7.65% each). When you work for yourself, you pay both halves — a combined 15.3% — on 92.35% of your net earnings.
How is self-employment tax calculated?
First, multiply your net earnings by 92.35% (this removes the employer-half equivalent). Then apply 12.4% for Social Security on earnings up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500, plus 2.9% for Medicare on all earnings, plus an extra 0.9% Medicare on amounts over $200,000 ($250,000 married).
Why is only 92.35% of my income taxed?
Because employees don't pay Social Security and Medicare tax on their employer's half of those taxes, the IRS lets the self-employed deduct an equivalent 7.65% first. Multiplying net earnings by 92.35% (100% − 7.65%) keeps self-employed and employed workers on equal footing.
Is any of my self-employment tax deductible?
Yes — you can deduct one half of your self-employment tax as an above-the-line adjustment on your income taxes. It doesn't reduce the SE tax itself, but it lowers your adjusted gross income, cutting your federal income tax.
What is the 2026 Social Security wage base?
For 2026 the Social Security wage base is $184,500 (up from $176,100 in 2025). Net earnings above this amount are not subject to the 12.4% Social Security portion — but the 2.9% Medicare portion continues with no cap.