Freelancer Take-Home Pay Calculator (2026)

Estimate what you keep from your 2026 freelance profit after federal income tax, self-employment tax and state tax.

US federal, tax year 2026 Free, no sign-up Runs in your browser
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Your take-home pay

— / year
  • Per month—
  • Total tax—
  • Federal income tax—
  • Self-employment tax—
  • Additional Medicare Tax—
  • State tax (your estimate)—
  • Effective tax rate—
  • Federal tax bracket—

Take-home pay at different profit levels

Net profitTotal taxTake-homeEffective rate
Enter your numbers above to see this table.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter your expected net profit for 2026: income minus business expenses.
  2. Choose your filing status.
  3. Optionally add a state tax rate. State rules vary a lot, so this is a simple flat estimate. Nine states have no tax on wages and earned income; check your own state's revenue department.

How it's calculated

Self-employment tax = see our self-employment tax calculator Adjusted gross income = profit − half of self-employment tax Taxable (before QBI) = AGI − standard deduction QBI deduction = 20% × the smaller of (profit − half SE tax) and taxable income (only below the 2026 threshold) Taxable income = taxable before QBI − QBI deduction Federal income tax = 2026 tax brackets applied to taxable income Take-home = profit − income tax − SE tax − Additional Medicare − state tax

2026 standard deduction: $16,100 single or married filing separately, $32,200 married filing jointly, $24,150 head of household.

Worked example

Jamie is single with $80,000 net profit and lives in a state with no income tax.

Self-employment tax = 11,303.64 (half = 5,651.82) AGI = 80,000 − 5,651.82 = 74,348.18 Taxable before QBI = 74,348.18 − 16,100 = 58,248.18 QBI deduction = 20% × 58,248.18 = 11,649.64 Taxable income = 58,248.18 − 11,649.64 = 46,598.54 Income tax = 1,240 + 12% × (46,598.54 − 12,400) = 5,343.83 Total tax = 11,303.64 + 5,343.83 = 16,647.47 Take-home = 80,000 − 16,647.47 = $63,352.53

Jamie keeps $63,352.53, about $5,279 a month. Total federal tax is 20.8% of profit, even though Jamie is in the 12% bracket, because self-employment tax applies from the first dollar.

What this calculator doesn't cover

  • Other income (W-2 wages, investments), itemized deductions and tax credits such as the Child Tax Credit.
  • The QBI deduction above the 2026 threshold, and the self-employed health insurance and retirement deductions.
  • Exact state and local taxes. The state figure is a simple flat estimate.

Frequently asked questions

How much should I set aside for taxes as a freelancer?

Use the effective tax rate this calculator shows, plus your state tax. Many freelancers set aside 25–30% of every payment and adjust once they know their numbers.

What is the QBI deduction?

The qualified business income deduction lets many self-employed people deduct up to 20% of their business income. Below the 2026 threshold ($201,750, or $403,500 married filing jointly) the calculation is simple, and this calculator includes it.

Why is my effective rate higher than my tax bracket?

Your bracket is for income tax only. Self-employment tax of about 15.3% is added on top, from your first dollar of profit.

Sources (tax year 2026): IRS 2026 inflation adjustments, Rev. Proc. 2025-32, IRS self-employment tax.

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Disclaimer: results are estimates for planning only and are not tax, legal or financial advice. Rules and rates vary by country, state and personal situation. Check with a qualified accountant before making decisions. Read the full disclaimer.

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