Freelance Tax Set-Aside Calculator — United States
US freelancers pay federal income tax plus self-employment tax — 15.3% covering Social Security (12.4% up to the annual wage base) and Medicare (2.9%). Because no employer withholds tax for you, the IRS expects quarterly estimated payments (Form 1040-ES). State income tax comes on top in most states, which is why the classic advice is to set aside 25–35% of every invoice.
2026 tax year (single filer, federal only). Data reviewed August 2026.
What’s in this estimate
- Self-employment tax applies to 92.35% of net earnings; half of it is deductible from taxable income.
- Figures here are federal only — add your state income tax (0% in TX/FL/WA and six others, up to ~13% in CA).
- Quarterly estimated taxes are due in April, June, September and January (Form 1040-ES).
- An S-corp election can reduce SE tax at higher profits — talk to a CPA above roughly $80–100k.
Primary source: IRS — Self-Employed Individuals Tax Center. Rates and thresholds are reviewed when new tax-year figures are published; always confirm current numbers against the official source before filing.
How to use the number
The headline percentage applies to gross revenue, not profit — because invoices are what actually land in your account. When a client pays $5,000, move that percentage into a separate tax account the same day. The buffer input adds a small cushion on top of the pure calculation: prepayment systems and mid-year rate changes punish exact planning.
Frequently asked questions
How much should a US freelancer set aside for taxes?
A common rule of thumb is 25–35% of net income (after business expenses). The right number depends on your bracket and state: a freelancer netting $80,000 in a no-income-tax state might owe roughly 22–26% all-in, while the same income in California can push past 32%. Use the calculator above with your own numbers, then add your state rate.
Do I pay self-employment tax on all my income?
Social Security tax (12.4%) applies only up to the annual wage base ($184,500 in 2026); Medicare tax (2.9%) has no cap, and an extra 0.9% applies above $200,000. SE tax is calculated on 92.35% of your net self-employment earnings.
What happens if I skip quarterly estimated payments?
The IRS charges an underpayment penalty that works like interest on the shortfall. You can generally avoid it by paying at least 90% of the current year’s tax or 100% of last year’s (110% if your AGI topped $150,000) through the year.
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Simplified estimate for planning only — not tax advice. It assumes all profit is taxed as self-employment income for a single individual with no other income, and excludes credits, reliefs and regional variations noted above. Confirm withIRS — Self-Employed Individuals Tax Center or an accountant.Full disclaimer.