Result
How to use this calculator
Enter your net self-employment income (profit after business expenses) for the year. The calculator shows your total SE tax, the Social Security and Medicare portions, the effective rate on your income, and the deductible half you report on Schedule 1. Share a link with the number pre-filled, e.g. ?income=80000.
The formula
SE tax = net earnings × 92.35% × 15.3%, where 15.3% = 12.4% Social Security (up to the annual wage base) + 2.9% Medicare (no cap). The IRS applies the 92.35% factor so that self-employed workers are taxed like employees who split FICA with an employer.
Example: SE tax on $80,000
$80,000 × 92.35% = $73,880 in net earnings. SE tax = $73,880 × 15.3% = $11,303.64 ($9,161.12 Social Security + $2,142.52 Medicare). An effective rate of 14.13% on gross income, and $5,651.82 of it is deductible.
FAQ
What is the self-employment tax rate?
15.3% in 2026: 12.4% for Social Security on net earnings up to $184,500, plus 2.9% for Medicare with no income cap. High earners may owe an extra 0.9% Medicare surtax above $200,000 (single) — that surtax is not included here.
Why is my income multiplied by 92.35%?
Employees split FICA taxes with their employer, so only their wages are taxed. The IRS lets self-employed people deduct the equivalent employer half by taxing 92.35% of net profit, which puts both groups on equal footing.
Can I deduct part of the self-employment tax?
Yes. You can deduct half of your SE tax as an above-the-line adjustment on Schedule 1, which reduces your adjusted gross income. This calculator shows that amount.
Does this include income tax?
No. SE tax is separate from federal and state income tax. Use this figure alongside your income tax estimate when planning quarterly estimated payments.