Estimated Tax Calculator (Quarterly, 1099)
Freelancers and 1099 workers pay tax four times a year. Estimate your quarterly payment from your net self-employment income — self-employment tax plus federal income tax, split into four.
Your details
- Total annual tax
- $26,024.30
- Self-employment tax
- $14,129.55
- Federal income tax
- $11,894.75
SE tax vs income tax
- Self-employment tax
- $14,129.5554%
- Federal income tax
- $11,894.7546%
Formula
Self-employment tax = 15.3% on 92.35% of net earnings (12.4% Social Security to the wage base + 2.9% Medicare). Federal income tax applies to net income minus half the SE tax and the standard deduction. Quarterly payment = total ÷ 4.
How it works
Without an employer withholding tax for you, the IRS expects estimated payments each quarter. You owe self-employment tax (both halves of FICA) plus regular income tax. Half your SE tax is deductible, which lowers the income-tax portion.
Frequently asked questions
Who has to pay quarterly estimated taxes?⌄
Generally anyone expecting to owe $1,000 or more in tax who doesn't have enough withheld — most freelancers, contractors, and 1099 workers. Payments are due roughly in April, June, September, and January.
What is self-employment tax?⌄
It's both the employee and employer share of Social Security and Medicare — 15.3% on 92.35% of your net earnings. Employees split this with their employer; the self-employed pay all of it, but can deduct half.
Is this exact?⌄
It's a solid estimate using 2025 federal figures and the standard deduction. It excludes credits, state tax, and other income, so treat it as a planning figure and confirm with a tax professional.
Sources & methodology
SE tax (2025) + federal income tax on net less ½ SE tax and the standard deduction, divided by four. Estimate only — excludes credits, other income, state tax, and the safe-harbor rules. Not tax advice.
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