1099 Tax Estimator

Estimate your quarterly taxes as an independent contractor. Federal, self-employment, and state.

Total freelance/contractor income after business deductions
Varies by state. CA~9%, TX~0%, NY~6%
Home office, equipment, software, etc.

Estimated Tax Breakdown

$11,304
Self-Employment Tax
$10,294
Federal Income Tax
$4,000
State Income Tax
$25,598
Total Tax Owed
⚠️ Quarterly Estimated Payment: $6,400 due every 3 months.
Due dates: April 15, June 15, September 15, January 15. Underpayment penalty applies if you pay less than 90% of tax owed.

Effective Tax Rate: 32.0%  |  After-Tax Income: $54,402

1099 Taxes Explained

What Is Self-Employment Tax?

As a 1099 independent contractor, you pay both the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes — totaling 15.3% on your first $168,600 of net earnings (2026). This is on top of regular income tax.

Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments

The IRS requires independent contractors to pay estimated taxes quarterly, not just at year-end. Missing quarterly deadlines results in underpayment penalties. Use our 1099 tax calculator above to estimate your quarterly obligation.

Tax Deductions for Freelancers

  • Home office deduction ($5/sq ft up to 300 sq ft)
  • Health insurance premiums
  • Equipment and software
  • Internet and phone (business portion)
  • Professional services (accountant, lawyer)
  • Continuing education and certifications
  • Business travel and meals (50% deductible)

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates. Consult a tax professional for specific advice.