1099 Tax Calculator
A planning estimate of your 2026 federal tax as a freelancer or 1099 contractor. See income tax, self-employment tax, QBI deduction, and your effective rate.
Uses the published 2026 brackets, standard deduction and Social Security wage base. A 2027 federal estimate is unavailable while required annual parameters are pending.
Total income reported on your 1099 forms
Deductible business expenses (Schedule C deductions)
If you also have a W-2 job, enter those wages
Enter your 1099 income to see results
Your complete tax breakdown will appear here.
How 1099 Taxes Work for Freelancers
When you receive 1099 income, no taxes are withheld for you. Unlike W-2 employees whose employers withhold income tax, Social Security, and Medicare, freelancers are responsible for paying all of these taxes themselves - typically through quarterly estimated payments.
Your total tax bill as a 1099 contractor includes two main components: federal income tax (based on tax brackets) and self-employment tax (15.3% for Social Security and Medicare). You can deduct ordinary and necessary business expenses, may qualify for the QBI deduction (up to 20% of qualified business income), and deduct half of your SE tax - all of which reduce the bill.
What This Calculator Includes
Federal Income Tax
2026 tax brackets applied to your taxable income after the deductions below.
Self-Employment Tax
15.3% SE tax (Social Security 12.4% up to the $184,500 2026 wage base + Medicare 2.9%) on 92.35% of net profit, plus 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax above $200,000 ($250,000 joint, $125,000 married filing separately).
QBI Deduction
Section 199A deduction of up to 20% of qualified business income when taxable income is below the annual threshold. Above it, the deduction is not estimated.
Standard Deduction
2026 standard deduction ($16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly) applied automatically.
2026 Quarterly Estimated Tax Due Dates
| Quarter | Income Period | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Jan 1 – Mar 31 | April 15, 2026 |
| Q2 | Apr 1 – May 31 | June 15, 2026 |
| Q3 | Jun 1 – Aug 31 | September 15, 2026 |
| Q4 | Sep 1 – Dec 31 | January 15, 2027 |
Dates that fall on a weekend or legal holiday move to the next business day. Source: IRS Estimated Taxes.
Planning estimate, not tax advice
This calculator is a planning estimate based on published federal parameters for 2026 (Rev. Proc. 2025-32), the Schedule SE formula and the $184,500 Social Security wage base. It does not account for state taxes, credits (EITC, Child Tax Credit), itemized deductions, the 2025–2028 deductions for tips, overtime, vehicle loan interest or seniors, retirement or health insurance deductions, or withholding. Verify figures at IRS.gov and consult a qualified tax professional for your specific situation.