Focused on SE tax
This tool estimates Social Security and Medicare taxes for self-employment income. It does not calculate full federal income tax, state tax, QBI, credits, or deductions.
SE calculator
Updated for 2026 assumptions
Self-Employment Tax Calculator
Estimate rough self-employment tax for Social Security and Medicare before comparing default sole proprietor or LLC treatment with an S-Corp salary assumption.
Educational estimate only. SCorpMath does not provide tax, legal, accounting, payroll, or financial advice.
Rough result
$12,717
Estimated self-employment tax for Social Security and Medicare, based on the assumptions entered.
Net earnings subject to SE tax
$83,115
Social Security taxable earnings
$83,115
Estimated Social Security tax
$10,306
Estimated Medicare tax
$2,410
Additional Medicare Tax
$0
Total estimated SE tax
$12,717
Assumptions used
- Tax year
- 2026
- Net self-employment profit
- $90,000
- Other W-2 wages
- $0
- 2026 Social Security wage base
- $184,500
Want to compare S-Corp treatment?
Use the main S-Corp tax savings calculator to compare this rough SE tax estimate with an S-Corp salary and distribution assumption.
W-2 wages matter
Other W-2 wages can use part or all of the Social Security wage base, changing the self-employment tax estimate for a side business or mixed-income year.
No stored tax data
The calculator runs in your browser. Do not enter SSN, EIN, tax return files, account numbers, or other sensitive personal information.
Methodology
A simplified Schedule SE-style estimate
SCorpMath applies a simplified self-employment tax model to net self-employment profit, then separates the estimate into Social Security, Medicare, and Additional Medicare Tax components.
For a broader LLC vs S-Corp comparison, use the S-Corp tax savings calculator.
What does this self-employment tax calculator estimate?
It estimates the Social Security and Medicare portion of self-employment tax based on net self-employment profit, tax year, filing status, and other W-2 wages. It does not estimate full federal income tax or state tax.
Is self-employment tax the same as income tax?
No. Self-employment tax generally refers to Social Security and Medicare taxes for people who work for themselves. Income tax is separate and is not calculated by this tool.
Why does the calculator ask about other W-2 wages?
Other W-2 wages may reduce the remaining Social Security wage base available for self-employment tax. Medicare tax can still apply even after the Social Security wage base is reached.
Can this calculator tell me whether to elect S-Corp status?
No. It only estimates self-employment tax. You can compare rough S-Corp salary and payroll tax assumptions with the main SCorpMath calculator, then discuss the result with a qualified tax professional.