1099 / Self-Employed / Contractor
1099 Paycheck Calculator 2026
Calculate your real take-home pay as a freelancer, contractor, or gig worker. Includes self-employment tax (15.3%), federal income tax, QBI deduction, and quarterly estimated payments. All math runs in your browser — nothing is stored.
W-2 Employee
Social Security6.2% (employer pays 6.2%)
Medicare1.45% (employer pays 1.45%)
Total FICA burden7.65%
Quarterly taxesWithheld automatically
QBI deductionNot available
1099 Contractor
Social Security12.4% (you pay both sides)
Medicare2.9% (you pay both sides)
Total SE tax burden15.3%
Quarterly taxesYou pay Apr/Jun/Sep/Jan
QBI deductionUp to 20% of net income
Calculate Your 1099 Take-Home Pay
Gross income
Business expenses
Net self-employment income
Self-employment tax (15.3%)
Federal income tax
State income tax
Effective tax rate
Annual take-home pay
Quarterly estimated payment: Due dates: April 15 · June 16 · September 15 · January 15
SE tax is calculated on 92.35% of net income (IRS method). You may deduct 50% of SE tax before federal income tax — both applied above. Source: IRS Self-Employment Tax
1099 Tax FAQs
What is self-employment tax for 1099 workers in 2026?
Self-employment tax is 15.3% of net self-employment income: 12.4% Social Security (up to $184,500) + 2.9% Medicare. As a 1099 worker you pay both the employee and employer portions.
Can 1099 contractors deduct self-employment tax?
Yes — you deduct 50% of SE tax from gross income before calculating federal income tax. This is automatic and does not require itemizing.
What is the QBI deduction?
The Qualified Business Income deduction lets most self-employed workers deduct up to 20% of net business income from federal taxable income. Income limits apply above $197,300 (single) for certain service businesses.
How much should I set aside for taxes as a 1099 contractor?
A common rule is 25–30% of net income — covering SE tax (15.3%) plus federal income tax (10–22% for most contractors). Use the calculator above for a precise number.
Do 1099 workers qualify for the 2026 overtime tax exemption?
No. The overtime deduction from the One Big Beautiful Bill applies only to W-2 employees earning FLSA overtime. Independent contractors are not eligible.