1099 Tax Calculator
Estimate how much tax you owe on 1099 income in 2026. Enter your contractor or freelance income and expenses to see the 15.3% self-employment tax, your federal income tax, the quarterly estimated payment and how much to set aside.
Free · No sign-up · Runs in your browser · Last reviewed November 2026
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About the 1099 Tax Calculator
If you are paid on Form 1099-NEC as an independent contractor, freelancer or gig worker, no tax is withheld from your pay. You owe self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare) plus income tax, usually paid in four estimated payments. This calculator estimates both for tax year 2026.
How to use it
- Enter your yearly 1099 income and your deductible business expenses.
- Choose your filing status and, optionally, your state income tax rate.
- Read the total tax, the quarterly estimated payment and your take-home income.
How 1099 taxes are calculated
- Net profit = 1099 income − business expenses.
- Self-employment tax = net profit × 92.35% × 15.3% (Social Security part only up to $184,500 in 2026).
- Adjusted income = net profit − half of the self-employment tax.
- Taxable income = adjusted income − standard deduction − qualified business income deduction (up to 20%).
- Federal income tax = taxable income through the 2026 brackets (10% to 37%).
Example: $60,000 of net 1099 income, single. Self-employment tax is $8,478. After deducting half of it ($4,239), the $16,100 standard deduction and a $7,932 business income deduction, taxable income is $31,729 and federal income tax is $3,559. Total: $12,037, or $3,009 per quarter.
1099 tax by income (2026)
Single filer, no business expenses, standard deduction, no other income, before state tax:
| Net 1099 income | Self-employment tax | Federal income tax | Total tax | % of income | Quarterly payment | Take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | $1,413 | $0 | $1,413 | 14.1% | $353 | $8,587 |
| $20,000 | $2,826 | $199 | $3,025 | 15.1% | $756 | $16,975 |
| $30,000 | $4,239 | $942 | $5,181 | 17.3% | $1,295 | $24,819 |
| $40,000 | $5,652 | $1,775 | $7,427 | 18.6% | $1,857 | $32,573 |
| $50,000 | $7,065 | $2,667 | $9,732 | 19.5% | $2,433 | $40,268 |
| $60,000 | $8,478 | $3,559 | $12,037 | 20.1% | $3,009 | $47,963 |
| $75,000 | $10,597 | $4,898 | $15,495 | 20.7% | $3,874 | $59,505 |
| $100,000 | $14,130 | $8,235 | $22,365 | 22.4% | $5,591 | $77,635 |
| $125,000 | $17,662 | $12,324 | $29,986 | 24.0% | $7,497 | $95,014 |
| $150,000 | $21,194 | $16,413 | $37,608 | 25.1% | $9,402 | $112,392 |
| $200,000 | $28,234 | $25,196 | $53,431 | 26.7% | $13,358 | $146,569 |
Quarterly estimated tax due dates
| Income earned | Payment due |
|---|---|
| January 1 to March 31 | April 15 |
| April 1 to May 31 | June 15 |
| June 1 to August 31 | September 15 |
| September 1 to December 31 | January 15 of the next year |
If a date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day. Pay with IRS Direct Pay, EFTPS or Form 1040-ES.
1099 vs W-2: why the tax is higher
An employee pays 7.65% for Social Security and Medicare and the employer pays the other 7.65%. As an independent contractor you pay both halves, 15.3%, which is the self-employment tax. In exchange you can deduct business expenses and half of that tax. Compare with a regular job using the paycheck calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much tax do I pay on 1099 income?
You pay self-employment tax of 15.3% on 92.35% of your net profit, plus federal income tax at your bracket. On $60,000 of net 1099 income a single filer owes about $8,478 of self-employment tax and $3,559 of federal income tax in 2026, about $12,037 in total.
How much should I set aside for 1099 taxes?
A common rule is 25% to 30% of net income for federal taxes, more if your state has an income tax. The calculator shows the exact percentage for your numbers.
What is the self-employment tax rate in 2026?
15.3%: 12.4% for Social Security on net earnings up to $184,500 and 2.9% for Medicare on all net earnings, plus 0.9% additional Medicare tax above $200,000 ($250,000 joint). It applies to 92.35% of your net profit, and half of it is deductible.
When are quarterly estimated taxes due?
April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15 of the following year. You generally must pay estimates if you expect to owe $1,000 or more. Paying 90% of this year's tax or 100% of last year's (110% if your income was over $150,000) avoids the underpayment penalty.
Do I pay taxes if I did not get a 1099?
Yes. All self-employment income is taxable whether or not you receive a form, and self-employment tax applies once your net earnings reach $400. For payments made in 2026, businesses must send Form 1099-NEC when they pay you $2,000 or more, up from $600.
What can I deduct from 1099 income?
Ordinary and necessary business expenses: supplies, software, mileage, a home office, health insurance premiums and retirement contributions, among others. Most self-employed people can also deduct up to 20% of qualified business income, which this calculator includes in simplified form.
Official sources
Last reviewed: November 2026. Estimate for planning only, not tax advice. It assumes 1099 income is your only income and uses a simplified business income deduction.